Subject Lead: Miss Blackwell

“Geography nurtures curiosity and wonder about the world.”
– Alaric Maude, 2010

Geography at Cheetwood: 

At Cheetwood, we aim to inspire curiosity and fascination about the world and its people through a high-quality Geography curriculum. Lessons are carefully planned in half-term blocks, alternating with History, to ensure children develop knowledge and skills progressively from one year to the next. Pupils learn about diverse places, environments, people and explore how physical and human processes shape landscapes and communities.

Our teachers are supported with ongoing training to deliver engaging lessons that include hands-on activities, fieldwork, map work and opportunities to explore the local and global world. Essential vocabulary is taught in every lesson, giving pupils the confidence to discuss, analyse and communicate their geographical understanding. Displays around the school reinforce key knowledge and concepts.

Through Geography, pupils are encouraged to:

• Be curious and inspired about the world and its people

• Understand interactions between physical and human processes

• Develop knowledge of globally significant places and environments

• Collect, analyse, and communicate data through fieldwork

• Interpret maps, diagrams, globes, aerial photographs, and GIS

• Communicate their ideas using maps, numbers, and writing

In the Early Years, learning is based on hands-on exploration, first-hand experiences and adult-led interactions that develop thinking and communication skills. In Key Stages 1–2, lessons are tailored to suit all learners, including those with SEND, providing opportunities to investigate, experiment and deepen understanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our curriculum is designed to ensure that children remember what they learn, make good progress and develop the knowledge, skills and curiosity they need to understand the world and their place within it.

 

At Cheetwood, we offer the opportunity for children to take part in a wide range of school trips that enrich their learning, particularly in geography. From an early age, students enjoy walks around the local area, exploring everything from the natural environment to the bustling city of Manchester. These hands-on experiences help children develop curiosity, observation skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Cheetwood also has strong links with Burnage Academy and together the schools organise joint trips and activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Year 6, pupils have the exciting opportunity to go on a residential trip to Ghyll Head, where they engage in outdoor activities, team-building challenges, and environmental learning in a beautiful natural setting. These experiences not only enhance their knowledge of geography but also help build confidence, independence and lasting friendships.

 

 

 

Spring Term Topics: 

 

Year 1 – Animals Around the World

• Locate and name continents
• Use vocab linked to the world’s seas/oceans
• Hot/cold places in relation to the equator
• Animals in different seasons
• National animals of different countries
• Investigate animals in the local area

Year 2 – Let’s go on Safari

• Locate Africa and Kenya on a map
• Climate and weather of Kenya
• Animals of Kenya
• Compass points to navigate maps
• Kenya’s landscapes
• Similarities/differences between UK/Kenya

Year 3 – Where does our food come from?

• Where different food is grown
• Temperate, tropical, Mediterranean climates, food grown here and their biomes.
• Land use and food produce in the UK
• Food and trade links from the UK/around the world

Year 4 – Village Settlers

• Needs of early settlers
• Origins of place names
• Identify settlements and reasons for original sites
• Mapping symbols and meanings
• Settlements and their connections
• Design a settlement

Year 5 – Investigating Rivers

• Water cycle
• Rivers – erosion, transportation and deposit of materials
• Importance of rivers
• Causes of river pollution and effects on the environment
• Investigate a river in detail
• Conduct a geographical enquiry

Year 6 – Our Local Area

• Economic activity as part of local study
• Explore land use, settlements, climate zones, rivers, mountains, hills as part of local study.