‘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

 

INTENT

At Barnburgh Primary Academy, we aim to inspire pupils’ curiosity and fascination about the world and its people that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Teaching geography in our curriculum is vital as it helps our children develop a comprehensive understanding of the world around them, including natural landscapes, cultural diversity, and global interconnections. Geography fosters critical thinking and analytical skills by encouraging our children to examine spatial relationships and consider the environmental and social impacts of human activities. Furthermore, an appreciation for geography cultivates a sense of global citizenship, empowering our children to engage with pressing issues such as climate change, urbanisation, and resource management. In doing so, we aim to inspire Truly Great geographers who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address challenges and contribute positively to their communities and the planet.

Our Core Values provide the platform on which we have built our curriculum offer at Barnburgh Primary Academy. Our Geography curriculum is underpinned by our Core Values in the following ways:

COURAGE: We teach our children to show courage in Geography by encouraging them to question, investigate, and explore the unknown. Through enquiry-based learning and fieldwork, pupils develop the confidence to express their ideas, share opinions, and consider multiple perspectives about the world around them. They learn that making mistakes or encountering challenges in enquiry is part of the process of discovery.

 

PERSEVERANCE: We teach our children perseverance in Geography by guiding them to work through complex problems and investigations. Whether analysing data, interpreting maps, or conducting fieldwork, pupils learn that geographical understanding takes time, practice, and resilience. They are encouraged to revisit and refine their conclusions as their knowledge deepens.

 

AMBITION: We teach our children ambition in Geography by inspiring them to explore beyond their immediate experience. From studying their local area to learning about contrasting global regions, pupils are motivated to broaden their horizons and develop a sense of responsibility towards the wider world. We encourage them to think big — about the planet, its people, and their own role within it.

 

RESPECT: We teach our children respect in Geography by helping them value the diversity of people, places, and cultures around the world. Pupils learn that every community and environment is unique and significant. Through geographical study, they come to understand the importance of caring for our planet and respecting both natural environments and human differences.

 

INDEPENDENCE: We teach our children independence in Geography by enabling them to take ownership of their learning through enquiry and investigation. Pupils learn to ask meaningful questions, collect and interpret evidence, and draw conclusions based on their findings. This empowers them to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions about real-world issues.

 

Please find the geography progression document below. This is a working document.