What is Geography?  

Updated March 2022

Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their environments. Geographers are interested in Earth's physical features such as mountains, deserts, rivers and oceans.  They are also interested in the ways that people affect and are affected by the natural world.

Key geographical skills including observation and recording are developed and built upon with a opportunities to conduct field work in every year group.

Geography at SHPA

Our knowledge of Geography begins in EYFS, with children exploring the nursery and school environment and maps associated with stories and the wider world. 

Throughout KS1, the children begin to understand and define the meaning of Geography. They are introduced to an increasing range of maps, covering the UK to learn the four countries and their capital cities and the globe, to introduce the continents and oceans. Children are introduced to the four cardinal compass points in Year 1, and this information is consolidated and practiced in Year 2. the children are encouraged to compare contrasting environments, for example London and Kuala Lumpur.  The children also begin to understand both where and why the hot and cold places in the world are found at the poles and the equator. Field work is undertaken in both the local area and at a coastal location, as the children begin to identify and name physical features of the landscape.

As the children move into KS2, they will begin to explore our planet in greater detail learning about how the Earth was made, geological timescales, volcanoes and earthquakes. In addition the children will also build on their existing mapping skills, using first 4-figure and later 6-figure grid reference, latitude and longitude and intercardinal compass points. 

In Year 4, the children delve deeper into changing landscapes, considering the impact of rivers and the water cycle. In addition, they will further their knowledge of maps by understanding contour lines and how they relate to the landscape around us. Finally, the children will learn about significant mountains and mountain ranges, including their location and mountain classification.

In Year 5, the focus is on land use and agriculture in the UK. The children will develop their knowledge of climate zones, biomes and the concept of food miles.

In Year 6, the children learn about daylight hours with a focus on the Artic. They will further their understanding of physical features and continue to learn about the challenges presented by climate change. In addition, the children will continue to broaden their knowledge and understanding of people and communities around the world. Finally, they will look for, and identify , geographical patterns on a range of scales applying all their knowledge and skills that they have developed throughout their primary school career.

Throughout KS2, the children will continue to undertake fieldwork on a regular basis, building on their observational and recording skills to include data collection, presentation and interpretation.

DPA example documents provided below - SHPA versions to follow: