Curriculum Intent
Geography at Carr Hill aims to deliver a broad curriculum which enhances students’ understanding of the world around them. Students study a range of engaging physical and human topics, many of which are explored through country-based themes that help bring geographical concepts to life and provide meaningful real-world context. Our curriculum carefully sequences learning so that key ideas are revisited and developed over time, allowing students to build a strong understanding of places, processes and global challenges.
Throughout the programme of study, students’ knowledge of geographical topics, mastery of key geographical skills and ability to write geographically develop progressively. The use of interleaving, spaced assessment and knowledge organisers supports students in remembering more and making connections between topics over time. Fieldwork, map skills, data interpretation and extended writing are embedded within lessons to ensure students can apply their learning and communicate their understanding effectively.
Geography lessons are designed to engage, challenge and inspire learners. Staff work closely with students to model and support extended geographical writing, helping them to articulate ideas clearly and confidently. Through open questioning and positive reinforcement, teachers foster curiosity and develop confident, resilient learners who are able to think critically about the world and their place within it.
How the Geography curriculum contributes to the school’s curriculum intent
Knowledge
The Geography curriculum develops secure and meaningful knowledge about the world through the study of both physical and human geography. Students learn about key processes such as climate, rivers, tectonics, globalisation and urbanisation while exploring a variety of places across the world through country-based themes. Through carefully sequenced learning, students build a strong understanding of geographical concepts including place, space, environment and interconnection, helping them make sense of the rapidly changing world around them. Key geographical terms and knowledge are regularly reinforced through recall activities using Carousel Learning in lessons and as homework tasks, supporting students to retain knowledge over time.
Vocabulary Rich
Geography is a vocabulary-rich subject where students are regularly introduced to and expected to use precise geographical terminology. Through reading, discussion and extended writing, students learn to “speak and write like a geographer”, applying key terms from physical, human and environmental geography within their work. This consistent exposure to subject-specific language helps students communicate ideas clearly and develop confidence in explaining complex geographical processes and issues.
Aspiration
Students are challenged through engaging and demanding geographical concepts that encourage deeper thinking about the world and its future. Lessons promote critical thinking, analysis and evaluative writing so that students learn to consider multiple perspectives on global issues such as climate change, development and sustainability. Staff also take time to broaden students’ understanding of where Geography can lead by highlighting a wide range of geographical careers within lessons, including meteorology, climate science, town planning, flood management and many others. Through supportive feedback and high expectations, students are encouraged to continually improve their work, develop independence and recognise their potential to achieve highly in the subject.
Character Building
The Geography curriculum supports students’ personal development by encouraging them to consider ethical, social and environmental issues that shape the modern world. By exploring real-life themes such as inequality, environmental change and global development, students develop empathy, cultural awareness and a sense of responsibility as global citizens. In the classroom, a positive learning environment promotes resilience, confidence and perseverance as students learn from feedback and continue to improve their work.
Love of Learning
Geography aims to inspire curiosity and fascination about the world. Lessons focus on engaging real-world topics and big geographical questions that encourage students to explore how people, places and environments are connected. A variety of teaching approaches, including enquiry, discussion and geographical investigation, helps to create an engaging learning environment where students develop pride in their work and a genuine interest in understanding the world around them.
Our aims for all students
- To develop secure knowledge and understanding of physical and human geography, enabling students to make sense of the world and the environmental and societal challenges it faces.
- To become confident geographers who can use geographical vocabulary, analyse information and communicate their ideas clearly through discussion and extended writing.
- To explore a wide range of places and environments through country-based themes, developing a strong sense of place and an understanding of how the world is interconnected.
- To gain the skills of geographical enquiry, including map work, data analysis, fieldwork and critical thinking, allowing students to investigate real-world issues and draw informed conclusions.
- To develop curiosity, resilience and a lasting interest in the world around them, inspiring students to continue learning about geography and the challenges facing our planet.
Reading in Geography
Reading plays an important role in helping students develop their understanding of geographical concepts, places and global issues. In Geography lessons, students engage with a wide range of reading materials including textbooks, case studies, news articles, information texts, maps, graphs and geographical reports. These resources help students to interpret information, develop subject knowledge and build confidence in understanding and using geographical vocabulary. Teachers support reading through guided questioning, modelling how to extract key information from texts and highlighting important terminology so that students can engage with complex geographical ideas more effectively.
Reading in Geography also links closely with the school’s form time reading programme. In Year 7, students read Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson, which complements their study of the Amazon Rainforest. The novel provides a vivid portrayal of life in the Amazon and helps students develop a richer understanding of the region’s environment, culture and landscapes. In Year 8, students read Welcome to Nowhere by Elizabeth Laird, which connects with their learning about conflict in the Middle East. The story offers insight into the experiences of refugees and the impacts of conflict on people and places, helping students to develop empathy and a deeper awareness of global issues.
By linking geographical study with reading, students are able to explore places and issues in greater depth while strengthening their literacy skills. This approach supports students in developing confidence with subject-specific vocabulary, improving comprehension and encouraging thoughtful discussion about the people, environments and challenges that shape our world.
Learning beyond the classroom in Geography
Geography provides students with a range of enrichment opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom and help bring geographical concepts to life. Fieldwork plays an important role in developing geographical enquiry skills. In Year 7, students take part in fieldwork linked to ecosystems, allowing them to explore our school grounds. In Year 9, students investigate soil profiles, developing their understanding of soil formation and the characteristics of different soil layers through hands-on investigation. At Key Stage 4, students further develop their fieldwork skills by studying the upper course of the River Wyre, investigating river processes and landforms, and by exploring contrasting quality of life in Blackpool.
Students are also encouraged to take part in wider geographical opportunities and competitions. The department supports the Antarctica Flag Competition run by the UK Polar Network, providing students with the chance to engage with polar environments and global environmental issues. Each year, students also have the opportunity to attend the Sustainability Conference hosted at Ewood Park, where they can learn from experts and organisations working to address environmental challenges.
The Geography department is committed to supporting students’ personal development and global citizenship. Staff work closely with the school’s Aspire programme, contributing to the ‘Aspire Environment Careers’ pathway which highlights careers linked to geography such as environmental science, sustainability and planning. The department also supports charitable initiatives including the local food bank and the Christmas shoebox appeal, encouraging students to think about social responsibility and the importance of supporting communities both locally and globally.
