Geography at St Joseph the Worker

Our geography curriculum is designed to inspire children’s curiosity and fascination about the world and its people. Through a well-structured and progressive curriculum, we equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to explore the physical and human aspects of geography—locally, nationally, and globally. Our teaching follows the National Curriculum and is enhanced by the Kapow Primary scheme, ensuring high-quality, engaging, and inclusive geography lessons.

Geography in the Early Years (EYFS)

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, geography is taught through the area of ‘Understanding the World’, one of the seven areas of learning in the EYFS Framework. Although young children are not taught geography as a standalone subject, we lay strong foundations through purposeful play, exploration and guided experiences that help them begin to make sense of the world around them.

Key experiences in EYFS include:

• Exploring Local Environments: Children learn about their immediate surroundings, such as the school, local park, or neighbourhood, through walks, stories, maps and photographs.
• Developing Geographical Language: Children begin to use simple positional and directional vocabulary (e.g., near, far, left, right, next to).
• Cultural Awareness: Through stories, celebrations and discussions, children learn about different people, communities and countries, promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Nature and Seasons: Children explore the natural world, observe weather changes and learn about plants and animals in their environment.
• Maps and Models: Children use simple maps, globes and models to represent and talk about places they know or learn about in stories.

Catholic Social Teaching in EYFS Geography:

• Stewardship: Children are encouraged to care for their environment and appreciate nature as a gift from God.
• Dignity and Community: Pupils learn that all people are important and they begin to understand that we are part of a global family.

These early experiences provide a foundation for key concepts such as place, location, change and environment—preparing children to access the geography curriculum in Key Stage 1 and beyond.

Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1, children begin to build a foundation of geographical knowledge and vocabulary through hands-on, engaging topics. They explore:

• Locational Knowledge: Learning to name and locate the world’s seven continents and five oceans, as well as the four countries and capital cities of the United Kingdom.
• Place Knowledge: Comparing a small area of the UK with a contrasting non-European country.
• Human and Physical Geography: Identifying seasonal and daily weather patterns, as well as key physical features (such as mountains and rivers) and human features (such as towns and harbours).
• Geographical Skills: Using simple maps, globes and compass directions to describe locations and journeys.
• Their immediate surroundings and begin to see how different environments affect the way people live.

Catholic Social Teaching in KS1 Geography:

• Solidarity: Children begin to understand that people live in different places and cultures, but we are all part of one human family.
• Care for Creation: Pupils explore weather and landscapes, learning to respect nature and make sustainable choices.
• The Common Good: Pupils start to consider how they can contribute positively to their community and the wider world.

Key Stage 2

In Key Stage 2, pupils develop a broader and deeper understanding of the world. They learn about the interaction between physical and human processes and the formation of diverse places and landscapes. Topics include:

• Locational and Place Knowledge: Extending their knowledge to include Europe, North and South America, and key geographical features such as the Equator, hemispheres and climate zones.
• Physical Geography: Learning about rivers, mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes and the water cycle.
• Human Geography: Exploring land use, settlements, trade links, and natural resources like energy and food.
• Geographical Skills and Fieldwork: Interpreting a range of maps, using digital mapping tools, conducting fieldwork, and developing data collection and analysis skills.

Catholic Social Teaching in KS2 Geography:

• Stewardship of Creation: Pupils study climate change, deforestation and sustainability, recognising our duty to care for the Earth.
• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: Geography helps pupils understand how access to resources (clean water, food, education) varies around the world and how this affects people’s lives.
• Rights and Responsibilities: Pupils explore the impact of natural disasters, migration, and economic inequality and are encouraged to think about how to respond with compassion and justice.
• Global Solidarity: We foster a sense of shared humanity, teaching children that we are all interconnected and called to work for peace and justice across the world.

Our Approach:

• Knowledge-Rich and Skills-Based: Our curriculum ensures children not only acquire key geographical knowledge but also learn to think and work like geographers.
• Cross-Curricular Links: Geography is often linked with history, science, literacy, and PSHE to enrich understanding and reinforce learning.
• Global Citizenship: Geography lessons promote environmental awareness, sustainability and social responsibility, in line with Catholic Social Teaching.
• Engaging and Inclusive: Lessons are enriched with real-life contexts, artefacts, maps, digital resources, and outdoor learning opportunities to spark interest and support all learners.

Through geography at St Joseph the Worker, we nurture children who are curious, knowledgeable and respectful of the world around them. Geography is not just about places and maps—it is about people, faith, justice and care for the world. Through engaging lessons and Catholic Social Teaching, we equip our pupils with the knowledge and values they need to make a positive difference locally and globally. Whether exploring their local area or understanding distant continents, our pupils develop a sense of place, global awareness and a deep-rooted care for creation and humanity. We encourage children to think critically, ask questions and understand the complexity of global relationships—helping them grow as informed, compassionate citizens and stewards of creation.