Intent

At Leyland Methodist Schools, our Geography curriculum is designed to inspire a curiosity and fascination about the world. Our curriculum is inclusive for all children, equipping them with knowledge about places, people, resources and the key natural and human environments of Earth.

We are committed to providing pupils with opportunities to investigate and explore their local area of Leyland and Lancashire. This enables them to develop a deeper understanding of their identity, heritage and what makes their community unique and special.

Through high-quality teaching, we encourage our children to think like geographers and develop the following essential characteristics:

The ability to interpret a range of geographical sources, including maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

An understanding of how human and physical features shape places and how they change over time.

A rich understanding of geographical knowledge and vocabulary to communicate ideas effectively.

Strong fieldwork skills, as well as the ability to apply geographical techniques and enquiry methods.

The ability to form well-balanced opinions on societal and environmental issues, based on sound geographical knowledge.

We also encourage our children to talk like geographers - to communicate their geographical knowledge and understanding through the use of progressive vocabulary (topic specific vocabulary is displayed on memory mats and working walls to use as a resources throughout each unit).

Implementation

Our Geography curriculum follows a structured approach that meets the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum. It incorporates the four main areas of learning at each key stage:

Place Knowledge

Locational Knowledge

Human & Physical Geography

Geographical Skills & Fieldwork

Cross-Curricular Links: Our curriculum is literacy-rich, with strong connections to other subjects, ensuring cohesion across the curriculum.

Progression & Retention: At the start of each Geography unit, children recall prior knowledge to inform planning and ensure retention of learning.

Engaging Lessons: A sequence of well-planned lessons focuses on knowledge, skills, and subject-specific vocabulary.

Enrichment Opportunities: Outdoor learning, guest speakers, and field trips provide real-world experiences that deepen geographical understanding.

Impact

We aim to create a collaborative and investigative learning environment where pupils gain a coherent understanding of geographical topics. Our high-quality, progressive curriculum enables children to:

Develop critical thinking skills through enquiry-based learning.

Deepen their understanding of the interaction between human and physical processes and how these shape landscapes and environments.

Apply fieldwork and geographical skills confidently in real-world contexts.

Express well-informed opinions on current environmental and societal issues.

We measure the impact of our curriculum through:

Assessments at the end of each unit to evaluate knowledge retention.

Practical evidence including images and videos of learning experiences.

Pupil voice interviews to gauge understanding and engagement.

Book moderation in staff meetings to review progress and share best practices.

Annual curriculum reports assessing overall standards and progression.

Teacher feedback and marking to support ongoing learning and development.

By embedding a love for geography, we empower pupils to become responsible global citizens who appreciate and understand the world around them.