Geography – Key Aims

• To inspire curiosity, fascination, and respect for the world around us.

• To develop learners who can investigate, question, and reflect upon the Earth’s physical and human processes.

• To raise cultural capital by exploring diverse places, people, and environments both locally and globally.

• To encourage outdoor learning that deepens knowledge of our unique Cornish landscape and beyond.

• To improve fieldwork skills that enable pupils to gather, interpret, and present geographical information.

• To build transferable life skills such as enquiry, problem solving, and resilience.

• To ensure children achieve and exceed the expectations of the National Curriculum.

Geography – We are Geographers:

• We are curious about the world, exploring its people, places, and environments.

• We learn through fieldwork, outdoor experiences, and first-hand investigation.

• We compare and contrast our locality with diverse regions across the globe.

• We develop enquiry skills – asking questions, collecting data, using maps, and drawing conclusions.

• We understand the impact of geographical processes, from coastal change to climate.

• We celebrate Cornwall’s unique geographical identity – as a coastal county, shaped by mining, fishing, tourism, and the china clay industry.

• We work collaboratively, respecting different viewpoints and sharing our findings.

Reception:

In Reception, Geography falls within the Understanding the World area of learning. Children explore their immediate environment, noticing similarities and differences in places, people, and communities. They learn to use simple maps, observe seasonal changes, and begin to make connections between their lives and the wider world. Outdoor exploration and hands-on experiences are key to fostering curiosity and discovery.

What our pupils say:

“I love going outside to look at the trees and find out how they change in different seasons.” – Reception pupil

“Geography helps me learn how to use maps and find places all around the world.” – Year 2 pupil

“When we go on fieldwork, it makes me feel like a real explorer.” – Year 4 pupil

I like learning about Cornwall’s coast and how the sea can change the cliffs and beaches.” – Year 5 pupil

“Geography shows me that the world is connected and that we need to look after it together.” – Year 6 pupil

Useful Geography Links for Parents

Royal Geographical Society – Geography@Home
Visit Geography@Home
Fun activities, challenges and projects to help children explore geography in their everyday surroundings. Great for at-home explorers!

BBC Bitesize – Geography
Explore BBC Bitesize Geography
Videos, games and quizzes that make learning about people, places and the environment engaging and easy to understand.

National Geographic Kids – Geography
Discover National Geographic Kids
Exciting facts, photos and activities about our world’s landscapes, animals and environments. Perfect for curious young geographers.

Ordnance Survey – Primary Map Resources
Explore Ordnance Survey Maps
Interactive resources and games to help children understand maps, compass points and symbols. Brilliant for building real map skills.