Why do we learn geography?
Our geography curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils are equipped with understanding about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments with an understanding of the Earth’s key human and physical processes. Through explicit teaching of map skill units, over time, children develop a secure understanding of using atlases, maps, grid references, map symbols and fieldwork. Fieldwork progression allows children to develop a secure understanding of their locality and before exploring the wider area to eventually create their own fieldwork and present their results. Critical evaluative and analysis is developed through the use of case studies and a range of qualitative and quantitative datasets.
Our approach
Pupils are expertly taught to ensure that all, regardless of background, know more, remember more and can do more within the geography domain. Children are empowered with the geographical skills and knowledge needed to access and master the subject in the world beyond Franklin This intent is rooted in Ark Franklin’s values, mission and approach to teaching and learning.
Year 1
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| History unit | History unit |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Map skills, fieldwork and locational knowledge Locate and identify the United Kingdom, its countries and capital cities Understand and use four compass directions Map and fieldwork in the school grounds |
Human and physical geography Seasons and weather |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| History unit | History unit |
All Year 1 subjects Next Year 1 Subject - Religious Education
Year 2
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| History unit | History unit |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Human and physical geography Examine the location and physical features of New Delhi Compare the climate of New Delhi to the UK Study the transport options in New Delhi Examine the issue of pollution in New Delhi Consider how homes in New Delhi differ to London Discuss why tourists might visit New Delhi |
Map skills, fieldwork and locational knowledge Name and locate the continents and main oceans Identify and locate the hot and cold areas in the world Create simple plans and maps Create, use and recognise symbols on a map Recognise locations using aerial images Undertake fieldwork in Queens Park |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| History unit | History unit |
All Year 2 subjects Next Year 2 Subject - Religious Education
Year 3
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| History unit | History unit |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Map skills, fieldwork and locational knowledge Name and locate the countries and capital cities in Europe using maps and globes Name and locate key physical features in Europe using maps and globes Recognise, locate and describe the seven wonders of the natural world Undertake fieldwork in Regents Park gathering and recording data |
Human and physical geography Describe the different parts of a river Identify rivers in the UK Describe how humans engage with rivers Examine a river from source to mouth (Danube) Explain how mountains form Describe how humans live on mountains Explain how Everest is climbed by humans |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| History unit | History unit |
All Year 3 subjects Next Year 3 Subject - Religious Education
Year 4
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| History unit | History unit |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Human and physical geography
Investigate the detection and preparation of earthquakes Understand the human and physical impact of earthquakes Examine an earthquake (Christchurch) Understand how volcanos are created Describe the advantages and disadvantages of living near a volcano Examine a volcanic eruption (Mount Versuvius) |
Map skills, fieldwork and locational knowledge Name and locate the countries and capital cities in North and South America using maps and globes Name and locate key physical features in the Americas using maps and globes Recognise, locate and describe the seven wonders of the modern world Undertake fieldwork in Hampstead Heath gathering and recording data |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| History unit | History unit |
All Year 4 subjects Next Year 4 Subject - Religious Education
Year 5
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| History unit | History unit |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Map skills, fieldwork and locational knowledge Use four-figure grid references on OS maps Recognise, locate and describe the seven wonders of the ancient world Design and undertake fieldwork in Hyde Park that measures and compares human activity in a local area Report on and reflect on results from fieldwork Name and locate counties and cities of the UK using atlases Identify key human and physical characteristics in the UK including land-use patterns |
Human and physical geography Identify the physical geography and features of Paris Recognise and describe cultural attractions in Paris. Know the types of transport in Paris and the extent effect of air pollution. Understand what a typical school day in Paris entails. Describe the typical diet of Parisian children Answer how living in Paris as a child differs to living in London. |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| History unit |
Human and physical geography Examine how weather varies around the world (Climate Zones) Consider the types of biome and their location Examine the challenges of biomes Consider how humans live in a biome (deciduous forest) Compare and contrast the biomes of Europe Examine the vegetation belt of an area of the UK |
All Year 5 subjects Next Year 5 Subject - Religious Education
Year 6
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| History unit | History unit |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Human and physical geography
Understand the life that resides within the Amazon Rainforest Describe the reasons why the rainforest is being cut down Consider the impact of deforestation on animals and wildlife Consider the impact of deforestation on humans Identify steps that are being taken to protect the rainforest |
Map skills, fieldwork and locational knowledge Use six-figure grid references on OS Maps Design and undertake survey and interview-based fieldwork in Richmond Park Report on and reflect on findings from fieldwork Identify the position and significance of latitude, longitude, Equator, Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, Arctic and Antarctic Circle Apply knowledge of time zones |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| History unit |
Human and physical geography Examine features of different settlements Understand different types of land use Describe the different sectors of our economy Understand the distribution of energy resources across the world Discuss where our food comes from |
All Year 6 subjects Next Year 6 Subject - Religious Education