Geography at The Hayes Primary School

At The Hayes Primary School, our Geography curriculum invites every child to explore the world with curiosity, resilience and respect.  Our curriculum opens the door for children to explore and understand the world around them; from our local community to global landscapes, our pupils discover their place in the world, ask meaningful questions and learn to think like geographers. Grounded in our core values of RESPECT—Responsibility, Empathy, Self-Belief, Co-operation and Tolerance—this subject supports children to become thoughtful, informed and positive citizens of our changing planet.  We believe our Geography curriculum encourages children to ask questions, think deeply and recognise how they can make a positive difference in the world.

Intent

At The Hayes Primary School, our Geography curriculum is designed to empower children to “be the best they can be” by developing a deep understanding and appreciation of the world around them.
We aim to:

• Inspire curiosity and fascination about the world, its people, and environments.
• Equip pupils with research, investigation, and analytical skills to become confident, capable geographers.
• Promote understanding of the Earth’s fragile environment and the impact of human activity.
• Develop responsible global citizens who value sustainability and take action to protect the planet.

Our curriculum provides pupils with a clear progression of geographical knowledge, skills, and vocabulary, building from the local to the global and preparing them for life in an interconnected world.

Implementation

• Curriculum design: Geography is taught through a well-sequenced curriculum using Oddizzi to ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum. Lessons build systematically on prior learning, moving from local geography in Key Stage 1 to global issues in Key Stage 2.
• Knowledge and skills: Pupils learn key geographical facts (continents, oceans, physical and human features) and develop practical skills such as map reading, compass use, data interpretation, and fieldwork.
• Progression:
  • Key Stage 1: Focus on the local area and the UK, using maps, fieldwork, and simple comparisons with other countries.
  • Key Stage 2: Extend knowledge to global geography, exploring complex topics such as climate change, sustainability, migration, and economic activity.
• Enrichment: Fieldwork opportunities, both physical and virtual, encourage pupils to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts and develop enquiry-based learning.

Impact

• Pupils demonstrate secure geographical knowledge and vocabulary appropriate to their age and stage.
• They show curiosity, independence, and confidence when exploring geographical questions and issues.
• Pupils understand the relationship between people and the environment and can discuss the importance of sustainability.
• They leave The Hayes with an informed awareness of global diversity and a sense of responsibility for their world.
• Through Geography, pupils become thoughtful, informed global citizens who are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

How Geography is taught throughout the school (Curriculum Mapping)

Geography skills and knowledge progression and overview

Some examples of Geography trips: 

*Local environmental wellie walk and finding our way.
*Visit to The Natural History Museum to learn about Volcanoes.
*Residential field trip to Carroty Wood- including orienteering, using compasses and map skills.   
*Residential field trip to the Isle of Wight- including using fieldwork to study, measure and record the human and physical features in the area.