Geography at Flyford Flavell Primary School 

Children begin their geography learning journey in Reception where their learning follows current affairs seen in the news from around the world such as floods, fires and the impact of humanity on the planet. Moving into Key Stage 1 the children build on their prior knowledge by investigating how current affairs effect livelihoods. When the children are in  Lower Key Stage 2 they begin to compare and contrast geographical features in different locations around the world. In Upper Key Stage 2 the children extend their knowledge of global affairs and delve in the complexities of the economic and political consequences.  

Click here to view the National Curriculum for Geography.

Early Years 

Geography learning follows the interest of the children as part of ‘Understanding the World’. Pupils learn about the seasons and identify different types of weather as part of their daily routine. Throughout the year the children explore countries from around the world to enhance our topic learning or exploring where they have been on holiday. We facilitate this by finding the location on a globe or world map, sharing experiences of what it was like to be there, looking at photos of families and homes to compare and contrast it to the children’s own lives. The children also explore how different celebrations are conducted around the world e.g. Diawli and Christmas. The children explore humanity's effect on our planet and how they can protect it. They also learn about physical geography in their own locality, including our own forest school and read simple maps. Their learning is supported by a range of stories, images and non fiction texts. 

Key Stage One 

Pupils continue to explore seasonal weather as part of the daily routine but build on their knowledge by including the analysis of weather maps. They also extend this knowledge by identifying hot and cold localities around the world particularly through their Africa and Poles Apart topics. The children identify key features of these contrasting climates and explore what it is like for humans and animals to live there.    They learn about continents, oceans and countries of the United Kingdom through songs and rhymes. The children consolidate their knowledge of the countries of the UK and explore characteristics of modern-day London. They use historical maps to look at the way the Great Fire of London  spread and how London changed in the aftermath. Within this topic the children explore the concept of nation pride and investigate the difference cultures around the UK. Children develop their directional geographical language by following directions around school. Pupils further their map work skills, looking at symbols particularly, and design their own story maps as part of the English topic. The children also develop the ability to give instructions and direct each other around an obstacle course. Pupils develop their use of maps and aerial photographs throughout our studies, but particularly within our own locality, drawing and mapping the village. They can explain what they like and do not like about an area, in addition to what facilities are present or needed and how an area can be spoilt or improved. They this concept is explored through their Sports topic where the children discuss the importance of this sporting event and the impact in can have on the host city, both the infrastructure and the inhabitants.  

Lower Key Stage Two 

While learning about the Ancient Romans and the Stone Age, children focus on historical geography and use atlases and maps to find out which countries the Romans conquered and how Britain looked in prehistoric times and in their Invaders and Settlers topic, they map the invasion routes.  They use maps of modern day Europe and Britain and make comparisons to different historical time periods including the kingdoms of the Anglo Saxon era.  The children will find out about the many different environmental regions, climates, landscapes and key physical characteristics found around the world.  Whilst learning about the World’s most dangerous places to live, the children study how earthquakes and volcanoes are formed, they learn of the Cholita Climbers and about their struggles and amazing way of life. Whilst learning about Europe, the children make comparisons to their own way of life and explore the landscape and culture of the variety of counties in our own continent. Children will use their study of India to explore the tropics and geographical features including comparisons between types of settlement and be introduced to the colourful culture and customs to diversify their understanding of the world in which we live. Children in year 4 have the opportunity to become 'Weather Watchers' and document the weather in our locality creating a podcast to present their findings, they eventually compare this with the climate of differing continents. They extend their learning and some children even give their weather reports in French.  During their trip to Manor Residential, the children will further enhance their fieldwork skills by mapping an unfamiliar area and developing their orienteering skills to navigate a set course.   

Upper Key Stage Two 

In Years Five and Six, pupils will continue to extend their knowledge of the world’s countries through studies of human and physical geography, going through a journey through Europe, exploring Greece and Mexico as well as exploring natural disasters and the importance of the water cycle and use of water across the world, including where it is scarce. Through our human geography, pupils shall investigate trade and economic activity, the distribution of natural resources and the movement and settlement of people. Pupils will discuss and debate the political factors within these. We shall develop a much better understanding of map reading and use this in locating and comparing our locality to other parts of the United Kingdom and the wider world. Pupils will also use fieldwork to observe, measure, record and present human and physical features using a range of methods, such as sketch maps, graphs and digital technologies.