Geography
At Five Spires Academy, we believe geography helps pupils understand the world around them and their place within it.
Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils develop curiosity about people, places and environments whilst building the knowledge, skills and vocabulary needed to become informed and responsible global citizens.
Our curriculum is built around five key areas:
- Locational Knowledge
- Place Knowledge
- Human Geography
- Physical Geography
- Geographical Skills and Fieldwork
Learning begins with the local area and gradually expands to encompass the United Kingdom and the wider world. Pupils study a range of diverse locations and environments, including Shanghai, Kenya, Antarctica, New Delhi, the Amazon Rainforest, the Alps, the Great Barrier Reef and the United States.
A key strength of our curriculum is its enquiry-based approach. Units are driven by geographical questions that encourage pupils to investigate, analyse evidence and think critically about the world around them. Through the study of settlements, trade, population, climate, rivers, mountains, volcanoes, oceans and biomes, pupils develop an understanding of how physical and human processes shape our planet.
Fieldwork is an essential part of geography at Five Spires Academy. Pupils regularly use maps, atlases, aerial photographs and digital technology to investigate real geographical questions. They collect, present and analyse data, enabling them to apply their learning in meaningful contexts and develop as confident geographers.
Environmental responsibility is woven throughout the curriculum. Pupils explore themes including sustainability, conservation, biodiversity, renewable energy and climate change, developing an understanding of the challenges facing our world and how they can contribute positively to the future.
By the end of Year 6, pupils can confidently use geographical vocabulary, interpret a range of geographical information, undertake fieldwork enquiries and explain the connections between people, places and environments. They leave Five Spires Academy as curious, knowledgeable and responsible young geographers.
Key Themes
Human Geography: settlements, population, trade, tourism and energy
Physical Geography: rivers, oceans, mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, climate and biomes
Fieldwork: mapping, data collection, surveys, observations and geographical enquiry
Sustainability: conservation, biodiversity, renewable energy and climate change
Long Term Plan
