Geography  

Intent

At Downton Primary school, we aim to develop articulate, informed, and empowered geographers. Using the CUSP Geography curriculum, we provide a knowledge-rich approach that equips children with a deep understanding of the world around them. Our intent is for all pupils to develop a strong sense of place, space, and scale, alongside the ability to ask and answer geographical questions with confidence. We ensure that all children, regardless of background or ability, can access and engage with geography, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility for the planet.

Implementation

  • We follow the CUSP Geography curriculum, which is sequential and progressive, ensuring that knowledge and skills are built upon each year.

  • Pupils learn through high-quality, immersive teaching, using maps, fieldwork, case studies, and enquiry-based learning to develop geographical understanding.

  • Technical vocabulary is explicitly taught and reinforced through oracy, ensuring pupils can discuss and explain geographical concepts with confidence.

  • Fieldwork opportunities are embedded, enabling pupils to apply their learning to real-world contexts and develop practical geographical skills.

  • Geography is made accessible to all learners, with scaffolding and adaptations to support children of all abilities.

  • Lessons draw on diverse locations, cultures, and environmental issues, helping pupils appreciate their place in a global society and understand the importance of sustainability.

Impact

  • Pupils leave us as knowledgeable and curious geographers, able to think critically, interpret maps, and understand human and physical processes.

  • They can confidently discuss geographical issues, using appropriate terminology and demonstrating a secure understanding of key concepts.

  • By engaging with local and global geography, pupils develop a sense of place and responsibility, recognising how their actions impact the world.

  • Regular assessments, retrieval practice, and pupil voice feedback indicate that children retain knowledge over time and apply it confidently.

  • Children participate in fieldwork such as analysing the traffic in Downton which broadens their understanding of human geographical skills.

  • Ultimately, our geography curriculum empowers pupils to become inquisitive, informed, and responsible citizens, with the skills and enthusiasm to explore and protect the world around them.