Geography

Intent

At the Phoenix Federation, we believe that Geography helps pupils make sense of the world and their place within it. Our Geography curriculum inspires children to be curious about the diverse places, people, environments and processes that shape our world, whilst equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to understand an increasingly interconnected global society.

We aim to develop knowledgeable, inquisitive and responsible geographers who can ask meaningful questions, investigate places and environments, interpret geographical information and think critically about the relationship between people and the planet. Through geographical enquiry, pupils learn to analyse, compare, evaluate and draw conclusions using evidence.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced so that pupils build their understanding progressively, beginning with their immediate surroundings, school and local community before extending their knowledge to London, the United Kingdom and the wider world. As part of this journey, pupils develop a strong sense of place through learning about Deptford and the local area, whilst also becoming informed global citizens who understand the similarities and differences between communities, cultures and environments around the world.

We are committed to ensuring that pupils encounter a rich range of places, perspectives and experiences. Our curriculum avoids simplistic or stereotypical views of the world and instead promotes understanding, respect and appreciation of diversity. Through Geography, children learn not only about the world they live in today but also their role in shaping a sustainable future.

Our Geography curriculum develops pupils’ geographical knowledge, substantive concepts, disciplinary thinking, vocabulary and fieldwork skills, enabling them to make meaningful connections across their learning and apply their understanding to real-world contexts.

Implementation

Geography is taught through carefully planned and progressively sequenced units that build pupils’ knowledge, understanding and geographical skills over time. Learning is structured to ensure that key concepts are revisited and built upon, enabling children to know more, remember more and make connections between prior and new learning.

Each unit clearly identifies the essential knowledge, vocabulary and disciplinary skills that pupils are expected to learn. Children are taught to think and work as geographers by asking questions, gathering information, interpreting data, using maps and analysing geographical evidence.

At the start of each unit, teachers assess and activate prior learning to identify what pupils already know and understand. This ensures learning builds on existing knowledge and addresses any misconceptions. Throughout lessons, teachers use responsive assessment strategies, including questioning, discussion and retrieval practice, to monitor understanding. Learning is further assessed through the use of exit tickets, which provide valuable insights into pupils’ knowledge acquisition and inform subsequent teaching.

Fieldwork is a central aspect of our Geography curriculum. Wherever possible, pupils engage in practical and first-hand experiences that allow them to observe, investigate and interpret the world around them. Our unique location provides valuable opportunities for children to study Deptford, Lewisham, London and the River Thames, strengthening their understanding of local geography whilst making meaningful comparisons with national and global locations.

Vocabulary development is prioritised throughout the curriculum. Through discussion, oracy activities and enquiry-based learning, pupils develop confidence in using increasingly sophisticated geographical language to explain their thinking and communicate their understanding effectively.

Teachers adapt learning to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and those with EAL, can access an ambitious curriculum and achieve success. Appropriate scaffolds, support and challenge are provided so that every child can participate fully in geographical learning.

Cross-curricular links are made thoughtfully with subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Computing and Art where they enhance learning. However, the distinct disciplinary knowledge and skills of Geography remain central to the curriculum.

Throughout their learning, pupils explore important themes such as sustainability, environmental responsibility, climate change, global interdependence and human impact, developing an understanding of both local and global issues.

Impact

By the time pupils leave the Phoenix Federation, they will have developed a secure body of geographical knowledge and a deep understanding of the relationships between people, places and environments.

Our pupils will:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of their local area, including Deptford, Lewisham and London, and appreciate how their community connects to the wider world.
• Develop a confident understanding of the United Kingdom and a range of global locations, enabling them to compare and contrast diverse places, cultures and environments.
• Use geographical vocabulary accurately and confidently to communicate their knowledge, observations and ideas.
• Apply geographical enquiry skills to ask questions, investigate issues, analyse evidence and draw informed conclusions.
• Use maps, atlases, globes, digital technology and fieldwork techniques effectively to explore and interpret geographical information.
• Build on their natural curiosity and develop a lasting interest in the world around them.
• Understand environmental challenges and recognise their role as responsible citizens in protecting and sustaining the world for future generations.
• Make meaningful links between Geography and other areas of learning while understanding the unique contribution Geography makes to understanding our world.
• Develop collaboration, resilience, critical thinking and problem-solving skills through enquiry-based learning.
• Gain an awareness of future educational pathways and careers linked to Geography, including environmental science, urban planning, sustainability, conservation, engineering, mapping, transportation and global development.

Through Geography, our pupils leave us as informed, curious and compassionate global citizens who understand both their local community and their place within the wider world. They possess the knowledge, skills and awareness needed to engage positively with the opportunities and challenges of the future and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.