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Geography

At Bamford Academy we are Geographers!

Our children are at the heart of everything we do, and in Geography we want every child to see themselves as someone who can explore the world with curiosity, understand the relationships between people, places and environments, and grow into thoughtful global citizens.

Geography is one of the ways we help our children grow into lifelong learners who are happy, ambitious and curious about the world around them. It is also where our core values come to life every day – Respect, Perseverance, Kindness, Acceptance and Responsibility – from investigating local environments to considering how we can protect our planet. You can read more on our Our Values page and in our Headteacher’s Welcome.

We hope this page helps you understand what your child will experience in Geography and how you can share in their learning journey.

Geography at Bamford – At a glance

Who: every child from Reception to Year 6 is encouraged to think of themselves as a Geographer.
How much: each year group studies three Geography units across the year, with fieldwork opportunities planned for every year group.
What: a carefully sequenced curriculum based on the National Curriculum and the Kapow Geography scheme of work.
How: enquiry-led questions that engage pupils and develop knowledge and skills, with practical outdoor fieldwork alongside classroom learning.
Key focus: locational knowledge, human and physical geography, geographical skills and fieldwork.
Local to global: children build secure foundations using the local area and make meaningful comparisons with contrasting regions nationally and globally.
Spiral curriculum: areas of learning are deliberately spaced to strengthen retrieval and ensure knowledge is stored in long-term memory.
Careers and future skills: Geography develops curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, environmental awareness and transferable skills that connect to a wide range of future pathways.

Intent: Why we teach Geography at Bamford Academy

We teach Geography so that every child becomes a lifelong Geographer with the skills and attitudes to appreciate the world around them. We want our children to love Geography, to have no limits to their ambitions, and to grow up as confident, curious and responsible global citizens.

Through the Geography curriculum, children learn about the Earth’s key physical and human processes and deepen their understanding of how these interact to affect landscapes and environments. Strong links are made to the environment and the challenges we face in protecting it. Teaching fosters children’s natural curiosity about the world, inspiring fascination about its people, places, resources and environments.

Geography learning does not take place just in the classroom. Outdoor, practical activities help children gain a sound understanding of the key human and physical features of their local environment while developing fieldwork skills. Through their learning, children also become aware of their roles and responsibilities as global citizens and develop an appreciation for diversity by celebrating differences in culture, place and environment.

What do we want every child to achieve in Geography?

Our aims are that all pupils:

develop curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for life;
gain knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments;
deepen understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments;
become competent in the geographical skills needed to analyse, interpret and communicate geographical information;
understand their role as global citizens and develop a desire to protect the environment;
appreciate diversity and celebrate differences in culture, place and environment.

How does Geography help children learn about British values?

Geography is a natural place to practise the values that matter in modern Britain. Children learn mutual respect and tolerance by comparing life in different places and cultures; democracy by sharing and justifying opinions on geographical questions and voting on recommendations; individual liberty by making informed choices and expressing their own views about environments and lifestyles; and the rule of law by understanding rules that protect environments and keep people safe during fieldwork. Our values of Respect, Perseverance, Kindness, Acceptance and Responsibility run through every unit - from listening carefully to others’ ideas to taking responsibility for the local environment.

Every pupil, regardless of individual needs, is supported to develop confidence as a Geographer. We also want children to see that geographical knowledge and skills open doors to many careers, and that no one’s aspirations should be limited by stereotypes.

Implementation: How we teach Geography at Bamford Academy

Geography is taught through well-sequenced, enquiry-led questions that both engage pupils and develop their knowledge and skills in line with the National Curriculum. Teachers follow the Kapow Geography scheme of work so that knowledge and skills are developed and revisited as children move through the school. Areas of learning are deliberately spaced across the year to strengthen retrieval and ensure that knowledge is stored in pupils’ long-term memory.

What are the key principles behind our Geography teaching?

Enquiry-led learning. Each unit is built around a key enquiry question that sparks curiosity and guides investigation.
Three units per year. Each year group studies three Geography units, enabling pupils to develop a secure understanding of locational knowledge, geographical processes and key concepts in depth.
Fieldwork for every year group. Pupils learn to investigate, collect and analyse data, and present findings using maps, graphs and digital tools. Enquiry-based fieldwork emphasises observation, questioning, mapping and data interpretation.
Local to global. Children use the local area to build secure foundations of geographical knowledge, which they then use to make meaningful comparisons with contrasting regions nationally and globally.
Cross-curricular links. Units incorporate links with Maths, Literacy, History, Art, ICT, Spanish and Design Technology.
Remembering more. Daily review of prior and current learning, purposeful presentation of new content, challenging questions, clear models, structured talk, regular checks for understanding, scaffolds and independent practice help pupils retain knowledge over time.

What does Geography look like in Reception?

From Early Years, teaching focuses on children gaining an understanding of where they live on a local, national and global level, and understanding that they are both British and global citizens. Geography is taught through investigation and enquiry as part of Understanding the World, helping children develop an early awareness of people, places and environments.

How does Geography connect to wider school life, careers and role models?

Geography does not stop when the lesson ends. It links to our wider Personal Development programme and Careers Related Learning. Geography develops transferable skills including communication, teamwork, analytical thinking, decision-making, resilience and problem-solving. These connect to a wide range of careers such as Geographers, Environmental Scientists, Meteorologists, Town Planners, Conservationists, Surveyors, Geologists, Architects, travel and tourism professionals, Emergency Planners, GIS Specialists and Sustainability Officers.

Through Careers Week and opportunities to explore contemporary global issues such as climate change, sustainability, migration, natural hazards and urban development, children see that geographical knowledge is for everyone and that aspirations should not be limited by stereotypes. You can find out more on our Personal Development page.

In the classroom: Would you prefer to live in a hot or cold place? (Years 1 and 2)

In this Autumn 2 unit, children name and locate the seven continents, locate the North and South Poles and the Equator, compare life in the UK and Kenya, investigate local weather conditions and identify key features of hot and cold places. They use maps and globes, observe weather, and justify opinions using geographical evidence.

Children explore continents through classroom activities, create a simple weather station, collect stamps in a “passport” as they visit different continents, take a virtual visit to Kenya, and pack a suitcase for a hot or cold destination while explaining their choices. Working collaboratively, listening to others’ views and using geographical vocabulary are all part of the learning.

You may notice your child using words such as “continent”, “equator”, “hemisphere” or “climate” at home; talking about weather and seasons; comparing places they have visited or seen; or explaining why they would prefer a hot or cold place. Joining in with these conversations is a wonderful way to share their learning.

Impact: What children achieve in Geography

By the time children leave Bamford Academy, we expect them to be enthused about Geography and keen to extend their learning beyond the classroom. They develop the skills to be independent and critical thinkers and are equipped with knowledge about diverse places, people and environments. They are competent in the geographical skills needed to analyse, interpret and communicate geographical information.

Children understand that they are global citizens and develop a desire to protect the environment, taking active steps such as participating in local environmental initiatives or exploring sustainable practices. Children of all abilities and backgrounds achieve well in Geography. Fundamental British values are evident in lessons, and children gain an understanding of how Geography can celebrate differences and promote inclusivity.

In addition to global awareness, Geography lessons help students understand their local environment through fieldwork that examines geographical features and challenges of their immediate surroundings. Children learn about local landmarks, historical sites and regional environmental issues, and are encouraged to consider how they can positively impact their local area.

What does success look like in Geography?

Success is not about memorising every place on a map. It looks like a child who is confident to ask questions about the world, willing to investigate and resilient when interpreting data or maps. It sounds like a child using geographical vocabulary accurately to explain their thinking, justify an opinion with evidence and talk about how people and places are connected – with a partner, in a presentation or during fieldwork. And it grows as children link new learning to what they already know, notice how geography shapes everyday life and future careers, and recognise the importance of caring for the environment and respecting different ways of living.

What your child will learn in Geography: Curriculum Overview

Geography units are planned across two-year cycles. Years 1 and 2, Years 3 and 4, and Years 5 and 6 follow Cycle A and Cycle B, and key ideas are revisited and deepened over time. Each year group studies three units, with fieldwork embedded. Open each section below to see the units your child will study. The full plan is available to download in the section further down this page.

Reception (Foundation Stage) – Understanding the World

Children explore people, places and communities through first-hand experiences, play and adult-led activities. Teaching focuses on understanding where they live on a local, national and global level and beginning to see themselves as British and global citizens.

Years 1 and 2 – Cycle A

Autumn 2: Would you prefer to live in a hot or cold place?
Spring 2: What can you see at the coast?
Summer 2: Where am I?

Years 1 and 2 – Cycle B

Autumn 2: What is it like here?
Spring 2: What is it like to live in Shanghai?
Summer 2: What is the weather like in the UK?

Years 3 and 4 – Cycle A

Autumn 2: Why are rainforests important to us?
Spring 2: Where does our food come from?
Summer 2: What are rivers and how can they be used?

Years 3 and 4 – Cycle B

Autumn 2: Why do people live near volcanoes?
Spring 2: Who lives in Antarctica?
Summer 2: Are all settlements the same?

Years 5 and 6 – Cycle A

Autumn 2: Where does energy come from?
Spring 2: Why does population change?
Summer 2: Can I carry out an independent fieldwork enquiry?

Years 5 and 6 – Cycle B

Autumn 2: Would you like to live in a desert?
Spring 2: Why do oceans matter?
Summer 2: What is life like in the Alps?

How can I help my child with Geography at home?

You do not need to be a geography expert – just curious and supportive! Talking about places you visit, looking at maps or atlases together, noticing weather and seasons, and celebrating curiosity about the wider world are all simple ways to support your child.

View and download our Geography curriculum documents:

Geography Curriculum Statement – Intent, Implementation and Impact

Geography Policy

Would you prefer a paper copy? We are happy to provide a free printed copy of any of these documents please ask at the school office, call 01706 631496 or email office@bamfordacademy.co.uk

Supporting every child

Geography is for every child at Bamford Academy. All pupils access the Geography curriculum through quality-first teaching and a range of strategies to ensure everyone can take part. These include breaking down enquiry questions into manageable steps, providing visual supports such as maps, diagrams and word banks, opportunities for repetition and overlearning, and purposeful partner work and discussion to develop oracy and confidence. We believe that what is essential for some learners often enhances learning for everyone. You can read more about how we support children on our SEND page.

If you feel your child might need extra support or extra challenge in Geography, please talk to your child’s teacher. We will always work with you to find the right way forward.

Frequently Asked Questions about Geography at Bamford Academy

How much Geography will my child do each week?

Each year group studies three Geography units across the year. Units are taught through enquiry-led lessons that include both classroom learning and practical outdoor fieldwork. In Reception, geographical understanding is developed through Understanding the World.

Does Bamford Academy follow the National Curriculum for Geography?

Yes. Our Geography curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and follows the Kapow Geography scheme of work. Our long-term overview shows what is taught in each year group, from Reception to Year 6, across two-year cycles.

Will my child get to do real fieldwork?

Yes. Fieldwork opportunities are planned for every year group. Pupils investigate, collect and analyse data, and present findings using maps, graphs and digital tools. Fieldwork takes place within the school grounds and the wider local area, giving children first-hand experience of geography in action.

How is Geography assessed?

Teachers use a range of formative and summative assessment methods, including quizzes, reflective journals and project-based assessments. Regular assessment ensures that every child’s individual needs are met and that all students have the opportunity to progress. Teachers provide ongoing feedback and encourage children to reflect on their own learning.

Will my child learn about careers linked to Geography?

Yes. Geography develops transferable skills that connect to many careers, from environmental science and town planning to meteorology, conservation, surveying, architecture and sustainability roles. Through Careers Week and links within the curriculum, children explore pathways and see that geography is for everyone.

How does Geography support British Values and school values?

British values are woven throughout Geography units. Children practise democracy when sharing and justifying opinions, understand the rule of law through environmental rules and fieldwork safety, exercise individual liberty when making informed choices, and develop mutual respect and tolerance by learning about different cultures and ways of life. Our school values of Respect, Perseverance, Kindness, Acceptance and Responsibility are promoted daily through collaborative work, enquiry and care for the environment.

Get in touch

Our Geography Subject Lead welcomes questions and queries about Geography, and we would love to hear from you.

If you have any questions about the curriculum, would like to find out more about how to support your child, or would like a free printed copy of any document, please contact the school office.