Our Intent
Our Geography curriculum aims to inspire curiosity and fascination about the world and its diverse people. We begin with our local area, helping pupils develop a sense of place, belonging, and appreciation for the rich cultural diversity within our community.
Through engaging and inclusive learning experiences, our children build secure knowledge of human and physical geography and develop key skills in enquiry, observation, and mapwork. Fieldwork and real-world exploration enable pupils to make meaningful connections between people and the environment, fostering respect and responsibility for our planet.
Our goal is for every child to leave Monteagle with the curiosity, knowledge, and confidence to explore the world around them — equipped to make informed decisions and act as thoughtful members of the community.
Our Implementation
Curriculum Design and Coverage
At Monteagle Primary School, Geography is taught through the Kapow Primary scheme of work, which offers a broad and engaging curriculum, through carefully structured and enjoyable lesson plans, which are accessible for all.
Each year group explores new geographical concepts that deepen their understanding of place, space, scale, and interdependence — moving from the local area to the wider world. Pupils learn about the United Kingdom and its regions, Europe, and countries beyond, developing a broad and secure understanding of the world they live in.
Through this curriculum, pupils develop a strong sense of their local area, celebrate the diversity of cultures within our community, and make meaningful connections between people and their environments.
Developing Geographical Understanding
Pupils build both substantive knowledge — what they learn about places, environments, and processes — and disciplinary knowledge — how they think and work like geographers.
They develop skills in enquiry, observation, analysis, and communication, learning to use maps, atlases, aerial photographs, and digital mapping tools with confidence.
A strong focus is placed on fieldwork and enquiry-based learning, allowing children to explore real-world geographical questions and apply their knowledge in meaningful contexts. Pupils are encouraged to talk, reason, and debate about geographical issues, using subject-specific vocabulary accurately and confidently.
- In the Early Years, children explore their immediate environment and recognise similarities and differences between places.
- In Key Stage 1, pupils learn about their local area, the United Kingdom, and contrasting non-European countries.
- In Key Stage 2, pupils extend their knowledge to include Europe, North and South America, and the wider world, studying physical and human processes in greater depth.
Sequencing and Progression
Learning in Geography is carefully sequenced to ensure that pupils build on prior knowledge and make meaningful connections between topics. As they progress through the school, pupils revisit key geographical concepts, deepening their understanding and developing their ability to know more, remember more, and apply more over time. The curriculum ensures a clear progression in both knowledge and geographical enquiry skills, supporting pupils to think critically about the world around them.
Kapow’s clear progression framework supports teachers in developing pupils’ understanding of key concepts such as location, place, human and physical geography, and geographical skills and fieldwork.
Enrichment Opportunities
Geography is brought to life in Monteagle through fieldwork, local area studies, and enrichment opportunities such as trips, outdoor learning, and themed days. These experiences allow pupils to apply their learning in real contexts, fostering curiosity, respect for the environment, and a love of exploration.
Our Impact
As a result of our carefully planned and inclusive geography curriculum, pupils at Monteagle develop a deep understanding of the world around them — from their local area to global environments. They build a secure foundation of geographical knowledge and skills, enabling them to ask thoughtful questions, make connections, and think critically about people, places, and processes. Pupils speak confidently using subject-specific vocabulary, apply their learning through fieldwork and enquiry, and show curiosity and respect for different cultures and environments. By the time they leave Monteagle, children are equipped with the knowledge, curiosity, and responsibility needed to engage confidently with the world and contribute positively to their communities.
Supporting Documents
