Geography
"Geography is the tapestry that weaves the world together."
Gil Grosvenor
A high-quality geography education should inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Teaching should equip pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. As pupils progress, their growing knowledge about the world should help them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time.
Intent
The intent of the Geography curriculum at St John’s is to inspire curiosity about the world and its people, ensuring pupils gain a deep understanding of places, environments, and human and physical processes. The curriculum is carefully sequenced across a two-year cycle to build both practical and theoretical knowledge progressively, underpinned by clearly defined ‘Need to Know’ knowledge and vocabulary. High expectations and equality of access underpin all teaching, ensuring every child can engage meaningfully with geographical learning that connects to their own experiences and fosters a sense of global awareness.
Implementation
Geography is taught weekly in alternate short terms through structured six-lesson units, based on the Kapow scheme to ensure quality teaching and teacher confidence. Each unit includes key knowledge and vocabulary, retrieval practice, and a clear sequence of learning that links to prior and future content. Lessons are inclusive, engaging pupils in talking like geographers and applying their understanding to meaningful outcomes. Both class teachers and the subject leader play defined roles in planning, monitoring, and supporting high standards through formative assessment, CPD, and ongoing curriculum development to maintain continuity and progression across the school.
Impact
The impact of Geography at St John’s is that pupils leave with secure geographical knowledge, vocabulary, and skills that prepare them for further study at Key Stage 3 and beyond. They demonstrate curiosity, confidence, and understanding of the world around them. Assessment focuses primarily on formative methods—through discussion, observation, and retrieval—to identify misconceptions and ensure knowledge is retained long-term. Pupil conferencing and ‘Need to Know’ checks help measure how well pupils have embedded their learning, supporting teachers in tracking progression and refining provision to achieve consistently strong outcomes in Geography.
