Geography at Eastcroft Park

Our Geography lead is Mrs Frackelton (Year 2 class teacher)

Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Teaching, Learning & Mentoring Practice with First Class Honours

Postgraduate Certificate in Education with QTS

Geography Rationale

Geography plays a vital role in helping make sense of the world around them. A well-planned and thoughtfully sequenced geography curriculum fosters a lasting sense of curiosity and wonder about places, people and enviroments. It enables children to build secure knowledge of both their local area and the wider world, developing an appreciation for diversity, interdependence, and the dynamic nature of the planet.

Through carefully chosen content and meaningful connections between physical and human geography, pupils develop a deep understanding of how natural and human processess shape the world at different scales.  Over time, they learn to apply key geographical skills and concepts to interpret patterns, evaluate change, and consider different perspectives-skills that are essential for becoming informed, responsible global citizens.

As pupil progress, they revisit and build upon prior learining in a way that strengthens their understanding and broadens their thinking.This cumulative approach supports long-term rentention and allows children to transfer their learning across different contexts, both within and beyond geography. By embedding core knowledge, and disciplinary thinking, geography contributes meaningfully to pupils' wider development, encouraging critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of place in the world.

Inclusion:

Tasks and activities in Geography lessons at Eastcroft Park are designed to be accessible while still providing appropriate challenge. Lessons follow the Kapow scheme of work, which delivers a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum.

For advanced learners, expectations are extended through more complex enquiry tasks, opportunities for independent research, and higher-level written or verbal outcomes. For SEND children, learning is supported through the use of visual aids, simplified maps, scaffolded activities, practical tasks, and technology. 

Shared and guided learning is used across all abilities to model key vocabulary, questioning techniques, and geographical thinking. All children are encouraged to engage in discussions, fieldwork, and map-based tasks. Teachers and TAs work collaboratively to ensure pupils grasp key geographical concepts, with interventions in place where necessary to address specific learning needs.

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EYFS:

At Eastcroft Park, children in the Early Years develop their understanding of geography through hands-on, meaningful experiences that are woven into the 7 areas of learning—particularly the Prime area of Understanding the World. Using the Kapow scheme as a foundation, our pupils explore their immediate environment and begin to develop a sense of place through child-led discovery and teacher-guided sessions

Communication, Language and Vocabulary:

By its very nature, Geography encourages children to explore and describe the world around them, placing communication and language at the centre of understanding. At our school, we follow the Kapow Primary scheme of work, which provides structured, vocabulary-rich lessons that actively support pupils in becoming confident and articulate geographers.

Each unit introduces and revisits subject-specific terminology, enabling children to use geographical language with increasing accuracy and sophistication. Through discussion, enquiry, and reflection, pupils are encouraged to communicate their ideas clearly—whether explaining physical processes, comparing environments, or expressing the impact of human activity.

Aspirations:

Geography at Eastcroft Park sparks curiosity about the world around us and encourages children to ask questions, make connections, and think like global citizens. Using the Kapow scheme of work, our curriculum is designed to build geographical knowledge and skills through engaging, real-world topics and hands-on exploration.

 Language and communication are central to learning in geography. Each unit introduces children to ambitious, subject-specific vocabulary, helping them articulate their understanding of people, places, and environments with confidence and precision.

Through structured discussion, map work, fieldwork opportunities, and enquiry-based learning, pupils deepen their understanding of the Earth’s physical features, human geography, and global interdependence. As they progress through school, children develop the skills to analyse data, interpret sources, and present their ideas clearly—skills that will empower them to engage with the wider world thoughtfully and responsibly.

Our goal is for every child to leave Eastcroft Park with a sense of place in the world and the confidence to ask questions, seek answers, and imagine a better future for our planet.

Mental Health:

At Eastcroft Park, we believe geography can support mental wellbeing by nurturing curiosity, promoting a sense of place, and helping children make meaningful connections with the world around them. Our geography curriculum offers opportunities for mindfulness and reflection through outdoor learning and fieldwork, where pupils can experience nature first-hand and develop a deeper appreciation of their environment.

Geographical enquiry tasks also build resilience and teamwork, encouraging children to express their ideas, listen to others, and solve problems collaboratively. Exploring different communities and cultures helps foster empathy and understanding, promoting emotional literacy and a global perspective.

By combining real-world learning with thoughtful discussion and exploration, our geography curriculum helps children build confidence, emotional awareness, and a strong sense of belonging in a diverse and interconnected world.

Cultural Capital:

At our school, we believe that geography is about understanding the world and our place within it.  We aim to spark pupils’ curiosity about diverse places, people, and environments, both locally and globally.

Through carefully chosen topics, pupils explore human and physical geography, environmental issues, and global interdependence. They learn about a range of cultures, traditions, and communities, developing respect and appreciation for the rich diversity of the world around them. Pupils are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and build the knowledge they need to become responsible global citizens.

Tolerance and Diversity:

At our school, we believe that geography is a powerful tool for helping children understand and appreciate the diversity of the world around them. Through the Kapow scheme of work, pupils explore a wide range of communities, cultures, and environments, learning how people live, interact, and adapt in different parts of the world.

Diversity is embedded throughout the geography curriculum. Carefully chosen case studies and topics highlight a variety of cultural traditions, belief systems, and ways of life. Pupils are encouraged to recognise and respect differences, challenge stereotypes, and consider multiple perspectives on global issues.

This approach nurtures empathy, promotes open-mindedness, and supports thoughtful, respectful discussion—helping pupils become compassionate and inclusive global citizens.