At Lowerhouse Junior School it is our intent to ensure all pupils develop an eagerness to learn and discover new knowledge through geography. We hope children will have a good understanding of what geography means and that the study of the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere, and of human activity as it affects and is affected by these, will inspire children to show curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. We hope children will become equipped with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with an understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. We hope that as children progress, through high quality geography lessons, children will be enabled to learn not only about the world but also how it works, how it fits together and how to make a difference and become positive contributors to it.

At Lowerhouse Junior School, we have developed our geography curriculum by. We have created our own geography curriculum overview and skills and knowledge progression document, which outlines the key skills for each unit in geography and categorises the skills into four key areas: locational knowledge, place knowledge, human and physical geography and geographical skills and fieldwork.

Each topic starts with a focus question and we believe that by starting sessions with key questions, this enables the children to be engaged in their understanding of what they are being taught. Throughout each geography unit, a variety of key skills from the skills and knowledge progression document will be taught.

The impact of what we have done has been positive for children, teachers and subject leadership. Teachers understand clearly what they have to teach but also why they have to teach it. This allows for teachers who find geography a difficult subject; to feel empowered and confident about their delivery. It also gives signposts for all in terms of resources available in school and out of school. Ultimately, allowing teachers to be more confident of their delivery of geography. Teachers know explicitly what needs to be taught in their topics and this also allows for teachers to be creative in how they would like to teach each topic.

Overall, by the time children leave Lowerhouse Junior School, they are aspiring Geographers who can interpret a range of Geographical information including maps, globes and digital imagery. We also strive to ensure children leave Lowerhouse Juniors with a natural curiosity and care for the world around them.

Click on the links below to view Year 3 Overviews and Learning

Year 3 – Features of the UK

Year 3 – Lake District

Year 3 – Biomes

Click on the links below to view Year 4 Overviews and Learning

Year 4 – How are mountains formed

Year 4 – How are rivers formed

Year 4 – Features of Europe (France)

Click on the links below to view Year 5 Overviews and Learning

Year 5 – Brazilian Odyssey

Year 5 – Amazon Rainforest

Year 5 – Food Glorious Food

Click on the links below to view Year 6 Overviews and Learning

Year 6 – Exploring North America

Year 6 – Why are Maps important