Across the Black Country Federation, we see geography as a key subject in helping children understand the world around them and their place within it. Our curriculum supports pupils in developing a strong sense of place and space, and in understanding how people and environments are connected.

Through our CUSP (Curriculum with Unity Schools Partnership) Geography curriculum, pupils:

• Build secure locational knowledge, understanding where places are and why they are significant.
• Develop geographical skills through fieldwork, map work and the interpretation of data.
• Study both human and physical geography, exploring how natural processes and human activity shape the world.
• Learn to ask and answer questions using evidence, developing strong enquiry skills.
• Make connections over time, recognising how places and environments change.

Our aim is that every child leaves our school as a curious, informed and responsible global citizen, ready to engage with an increasingly interconnected world.

A Knowledge-Rich, Concept-Driven Curriculum

The CUSP Geography curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and understanding over time. It focuses on:

• Locational knowledge – knowing where places are and how they are connected.
• Place knowledge – understanding similarities and differences between regions.
• Human and physical geography – examining natural features and human processes.
• Geographical skills and fieldwork – applying knowledge through mapping, observation and data collection.
• Explicit vocabulary teaching – enabling pupils to use geographical language accurately and confidently.

This approach ensures that new learning builds on what has come before, helping pupils to develop a coherent understanding of the subject.

Geography in the Early Years

In EYFS, geography is taught through “Understanding the World”. Children begin by:

• Learning about their immediate environment, including home, school and the local area.
• Developing a sense of place through stories, discussion and exploration.
• Using simple maps and learning basic directional language.
• Observing seasonal and weather changes over time.

These early experiences provide a strong foundation for later geographical study.

The Structure of a Geography Lesson

Each lesson follows a clear sequence to deepen understanding and support enquiry:

• Connect – revisiting prior knowledge and linking to earlier learning.
• Explain – introducing new vocabulary, concepts and skills.
• Example – modelling geographical thinking and processes.
• Attempt – completing structured tasks to practise new learning.
• Apply – using knowledge independently, often through mapping, fieldwork or extended responses.
• Challenge – encouraging discussion, comparison and deeper thinking.

This structure supports steady progression in both knowledge and skills.

Core Areas of Learning

The curriculum is built around key geographical concepts that are revisited and developed across year groups.

Locational Knowledge
Pupils learn to name and locate continents, oceans and key countries. They develop an understanding of latitude, longitude, the Equator and hemispheres, and build mental maps of the UK, Europe and the wider world.

Place Knowledge
Children compare local, national and international locations, considering how climate, culture and economy influence different places.

Human and Physical Geography
Pupils study landforms, climate zones, biomes and natural hazards, alongside topics such as urbanisation, migration, trade and environmental change.

Geographical Skills and Fieldwork
Children use maps, globes, aerial photographs and digital mapping tools. They take part in fieldwork, collect and analyse data, and develop their ability to think critically about evidence.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Pupils consider how human activity affects the environment and explore ideas such as conservation, sustainable development and climate change.

Progression Across the School

Key Stage 1
In Year 1, pupils learn about continents, oceans, the geography of the UK and take part in simple fieldwork. In Year 2, they explore the human and physical geography of the local area and compare it with a contrasting non-European location.

Lower Key Stage 2
Year 3 focuses on UK geography, local landscape fieldwork and developing map-reading skills. In Year 4, pupils study rivers, the water cycle, latitude and longitude, and environmental regions.

Upper Key Stage 2
In Year 5, pupils explore biomes, world cities and aspects of economic geography. In Year 6, they study natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanoes, as well as settlements, migration and trade.

By the end of Year 6, pupils have developed a broad and connected understanding of geographical concepts, preparing them well for Key Stage 3.

Local Geography

We ensure that geography feels relevant by studying our own community. For example:

In Year 2, pupils investigate how the local area has changed over time, exploring land use, transport and industry, and comparing historical and modern maps of Brierley Hill.

In Year 6, pupils examine the impact of the Second World War on the local area, including how wartime industries and events affected the town.

These studies help children see how geography shapes their own lives and surroundings.

Making Geography Meaningful

Our curriculum includes regular opportunities for fieldwork in local environments, study of global issues such as sustainability and climate change, and the use of digital mapping and satellite imagery. Geography is also linked to other subjects, including history, science and English, to strengthen understanding.

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment is ongoing and designed to support progress. Teachers use questioning, discussion and retrieval practice to check understanding. Pupils demonstrate their learning through fieldwork, mapping tasks and structured writing, where they explain and analyse geographical ideas using accurate vocabulary.

Further Information

For more information about our CUSP Geography curriculum, including knowledge documents, curriculum overviews and home learning guidance, please contact our Curriculum Lead, Tom Amphlett, at info@brockmoor.dudley.sch.uk.