Overview

Our geography curriculum is knowledge-rich and carefully sequenced to ensure that all pupils develop a deep understanding of the world in which they live. Learning is organised into three progressive cycles, enabling pupils to revisit, secure and build upon prior knowledge as they move through school.

Through the study of geography, pupils develop their understanding of human and physical geography and the interaction between them, learning to describe places confidently using the skills of a geographer. Geography is linked purposefully with other curriculum areas, particularly history, to provide meaningful context for learning.

Pupils learn about geography at a range of scales, beginning in the early years and Key Stage 1 with a strong focus on their local environment, before gradually broadening their understanding to include the wider world. Throughout their time at school, learning balances local, national and global perspectives.

We make full use of our unique location on the rural–urban fringe. Pupils learn why Totley is a desirable place to live, explore physical processes evident in the local landscape, and understand how local geography has shaped Sheffield’s industrial past and the ongoing significance of the Peak District today.

A strong emphasis is placed on environmental responsibility, enabling pupils to develop an appreciation of the fragility of our planet and leave school as respectful, informed global citizens.

Reception

  • Where in the world do our families come from?

  • Where do I live? (Totley, school, routes, local features)

  • Exploring the natural world around us

  • Simple maps, symbols and geographical language

  • Comparing familiar places with places from stories and experiences

Year 1

  • Totley as a place: human and physical features

  • Maps, aerial photographs and symbols

  • Routes and journeys (school and local area)

  • Continents and oceans (introductory)

  • Weather in the UK

  • Comparing Totley with another place

Year 2

  • Our planet: continents, oceans, equator and poles

  • What makes Totley a good place to live?

  • Rural, urban and rural fringe

  • UK weather and climate

  • Using grid references and simple atlases

  • How people improve places

Year 3

  • Climate zones of the UK and the world

  • Comparing Sheffield with Cape Town

  • Physical geography: mountains, rivers and coasts

  • Introduction to OS maps and four-figure grid references

  • Weather data collection and presentation

  • How climate affects how people live

Year 4

  • Volcanoes and earthquakes

  • Italy and tectonic plate boundaries

  • Mountains of Europe

  • Land use and settlement

  • Trade links between the UK and Brazil

  • Fairtrade and sustainability

Year 5

  • The UK: physical and human geography

  • Rivers and settlement (including local river studies)

  • How land use has changed over time (Sheffield case study)

  • Globalisation and trade

  • Climate change and human impact on the planet

  • Sustainable development

Year 6

  • Earthquakes and their impacts (global case studies)

  • North America: physical geography, climate and population

  • Tourism in London

  • Population distribution and migration

  • Aging and growing populations

  • Sustainability and the future of our planet