At Greenside, our Geography curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity about the world and deepen children’s understanding of their place within it. We believe that Geography equips pupils with the knowledge and skills to explore, question and connect with both their local environment and the wider global community.

Through the study of diverse places, people and environments, pupils develop a strong sense of spatial awareness, global citizenship and environmental responsibility. Our curriculum encourages children to ask questions, interpret a range of geographical sources and think critically about how the world is shaped by physical and human processes.

A Knowledge-Rich, Purposeful Approach

We use the CUSP Geography curriculum to guide our planning and ensure rigour, coherence and progression. Units build on prior knowledge and are carefully sequenced to develop key geographical concepts, including place, space, scale, interdependence and sustainability. Lessons are vocabulary-rich and enquiry-led, supporting children to retain key knowledge and apply it across contexts.

This is used in conjunction with our local context and The Elliot Foundation’s wider curriculum vision. This allows us to personalise learning and ensure relevance for our pupils. Children explore local case studies such as the River Thames, London landmarks and neighbourhood land use alongside national and international comparisons that build cultural capital and global awareness.

Wherever possible, we link Geography learning to our core texts and film studies. This enables pupils to make meaningful cross-curricular connections and deepen their understanding of the world through creative and reflective learning.

Fieldwork, Enquiry and Active Learning

Geography at Greenside is hands-on and exploratory. Pupils take part in fieldwork throughout their primary years, developing observational, mapping and data collection skills. They learn to read and interpret maps, use geographical vocabulary accurately and present their findings in a range of creative formats.

We believe that first-hand experiences are key to developing geographical thinking. Whether investigating traffic flow in the local area, comparing urban and rural environments or exploring climate zones through film and digital technology, children are encouraged to explore and reflect on the world around them.

By the end of Key Stage 2, our pupils have developed a secure understanding of geographical processes, confident enquiry skills and a respectful, responsible outlook towards the planet they share.

At Greenside, Geography is made accessible to all learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We provide scaffolded activities, visual resources and targeted support to ensure every child can access the key knowledge and take part in rich, meaningful geographical discussions. Our inclusive approach ensures that all pupils feel represented, capable and inspired to understand and care for their world.