Geography at Co-op Academy Medlock 

 

‘Geography underpins a lifelong “conversation” about the home of humankind’

Geography Association 

Intent

At Co-op Academy Medlock, geography is a vital part of our broad and balanced curriculum. We believe every child should be curious about the world they live in, the people who inhabit it, and the impact they can have on shaping its future.

Our geography curriculum nurtures curiosity and a lifelong fascination with the world and its people. It helps pupils develop a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes and how these interact to influence the way we live. Pupils are encouraged to think critically about global issues and to recognise their role as responsible citizens in an ever-changing planet.

Learning in geography follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework and the National Curriculum. It provides all pupils with opportunities to explore both the local and wider world through a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum.

We celebrate the diversity of our school community by ensuring the curriculum reflects a range of people, places, and cultures. This enables pupils to learn about the world beyond their immediate experience while also seeing themselves represented in their studies. Geography helps pupils make meaningful connections between human and physical processes and understand how our actions shape the environment. Through this, they become thoughtful, informed global citizens who care about the planet and its future.

Implementation

Geography is taught by class teachers, supported by the subject lead to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery.

In the Early Years, children begin to make sense of their physical world and community through Understanding the World topics. Learning combines adult-led and child-initiated activities. Experiences such as visits to parks, museums, and local landmarks help children develop awareness of place and belonging. Listening to stories and non-fiction texts builds vocabulary and lays the foundations for geographical understanding, preparing pupils for Key Stage 1.

Across Key Stages 1 and 2, the curriculum builds on this foundation through progressive planning developed by the subject leader. Key concepts are revisited and deepened over time, including Locational Geography, Place, Human and Physical Geography, Plants and Animals, and Interdependence.

Each unit is enquiry-based, structured around key questions that promote curiosity and critical thinking. For example, in Rainforests and Deserts, pupils study location, climate, and the relationships between people, plants, and animals. In Rivers, they explore how humans depend on and affect physical landscapes.

Lessons develop both substantive knowledge (core geographical facts and concepts) and disciplinary knowledge (how to investigate and analyse geographical data). Pupils use maps, atlases, digital sources, and fieldwork to explore and interpret the world around them.

Critical thinking and discussion are encouraged throughout lessons, with pupils justifying opinions using evidence. Reading and vocabulary development are prioritised, with explicit teaching of geographical terms. Geography is closely linked with other subjects such as history, science, and art, helping pupils make cross-curricular connections and apply learning in meaningful contexts.

Our city-centre location provides rich opportunities for hands-on learning. Pupils visit local landmarks, museums, and galleries such as the Manchester Museum, the Whitworth, and the Manchester Art Gallery, deepening their understanding of place and culture.

Impact

Assessment in geography is ongoing and purposeful. Teachers and subject leads use evidence from observations, pupil work, and assessments to evaluate understanding and progress.

Across Key Stages 1 and 2, exit tickets and Google quizzes assess key knowledge, while short ‘knowledge catchers’ and discussions allow pupils to explain their thinking. Identified gaps are recorded and used to inform planning and intervention.

Geography often acts as a driver for wider curriculum learning, providing real contexts for developing writing, reading, maths, and scientific skills.

Pupils at Co-op Academy Medlock are enthusiastic geographers who demonstrate curiosity, independence, and pride in their work. They make good progress and develop a clear understanding of how human and physical geography are connected. By the time they leave us, pupils have the knowledge, skills, and awareness to care for the world around them — and the confidence to shape a sustainable future.