Geography
“The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents. And in the end, it's about using all that knowledge to help bridge divides and bring people together” Barack Obama
Welcome to Geography at Woodlands
INTENT
At Woodlands, the geography curriculum is integrated within our topic-based creative curriculum. This provides a basis for our children to develop a deep understanding of the links between their learning in all subjects. It enables them to see how geography fits within their growing understanding of the world.
In accordance with the National Curriculum in geography, our children progressively develop their knowledge of the location of globally significant places, both terrestrial and marine. Through studying physical and human features of our world they are given a geographical context for understanding the actions and processes that have produced Earth's key human and physical features. Our children learn how these are interdependent and how they bring about spatial variation and change over time. They are also taught to use and practice, with increasing complexity and proficiency, the skills they need for an understanding and appreciation of geography as they move through the next stage of education and beyond. These geographical skills are taught progressively and are revisited regularly throughout our children's journey through the key stages. They are as follows:
- to collect, analyse and communicate with a range of data, gathered through experiences of fieldwork that deepen their understanding of geographical processes;
- to interpret a range of sources of geographical information, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs and Geographical Information Systems (GIS); and
- to communicate geographical information in a variety of ways, including through maps, numerical and quantitative skills and writing at length.
IMPLEMENTATION
From EYFS to Upper Key Stage 2, the National Curriculum's progression in geographical knowledge and skills has been mapped into our school’s creative and topic-based curriculum, making meaningful links with key topics which children learn about in each school year. Lessons are taught using engaging “hooks”, themes and ongoing topic projects/case studies, to place geographical knowledge and skills within a clear, relevant and exciting context for the children. Within lessons we use a wide range of sources of information including real people, the local environment, photographs, maps and atlases, written materials, ICT based materials, data, and TV / video extracts.
The topics studied in each year group (from EYFS through to Year 6) that contain Geography curriculum learning are detailed in the Geogprahy Policy, which can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.
In summary:
EYFS:
In our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we lay a strong foundation in geography through engaging, age-appropriate experiences that build the skills and knowledge needed to access the National Curriculum in Year One.
Locational and Place Knowledge
Children begin to understand that there are other countries in the world and that they are different from the UK. Through adult-led discussions, they start making simple comparisons such as differences in weather or animals found in other countries. We also ensure children develop a sense of place by learning they live in Ellesmere Port and that it is located in England.
Human and Physical Geography
Our children explore seasonal changes and weather patterns in their local environment, helping them observe and talk about the world around them. Through simple fieldwork—such as walks to the local library—children spot and name landmarks, developing early observational and mapping skills.
Geographical Skills and Fieldwork
Technology like Google Maps and Google Earth is used to help children locate our school and other places of interest, such as the AW Arena, especially during show-and-tell or when sharing news. This supports both geographical awareness and digital literacy.
Cross-Curricular Links
Locational language is embedded in our maths curriculum through the use of prepositions (e.g. next to, behind, in front of), reinforcing spatial awareness. Children are also introduced to the concept of maps in purposeful and imaginative contexts—such as treasure hunts or story maps—making early geography both meaningful and fun.
Through these rich experiences, children leave EYFS with a solid understanding of their place in the world, basic geographical vocabulary, and the curiosity and confidence to explore more complex geographical concepts in Year One
Key Stage 1:
Pupils develop their knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and their locality. They learn to understand basic subject-specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and begin to use geographical skills, including first-hand observation.
Key Stage 2:
Pupils extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom and Europe, North and South America. This includes learning the location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features. They develop their use of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge.
