Geography

At Bewley Primary School, our geography curriculum helps pupils become curious, knowledgeable and aware of the world around them. We encourage children to explore local and global places and to understand people, environments and how they are connected. We want them to take pride in their local area of Billingham and beyond.

Our school sits in Billingham, a town in Stockton-on-Tees with a strong industrial history and a diverse community. We want pupils to understand how Billingham fits into Teesside, the North East and the wider United Kingdom. They learn about local geography, heritage and how places change over time.

Our curriculum helps pupils:

• Develop locational knowledge and identify places locally, nationally and globally
• Understand similarities and differences between places and cultures
• Gain knowledge of human and physical geography and how natural and human processes shape the world
• Build skills in enquiry and fieldwork by asking questions, analysing information and sharing their findings
• Learn about sustainability and their role as global citizens

This reflects our ‘Bright, Proud, Successful’ school motto. We see geography as a window to the world that sparks curiosity and respect for our planet.

Implement

At Bewley Primary School, geography is taught through a well-planned curriculum that uses engaging topics to drive learning. Topics are mapped across all year groups to ensure a clear progression of knowledge, skills and vocabulary.

A key part of our curriculum is learning about Billingham and Teesside. Pupils explore local landmarks such as the Transporter Bridge, the River Tees and Billingham’s industrial past. They learn how the area has changed over time and how it connects to national and global geography. This local focus helps pupils see why geography matters and builds pride in their community.

Key features of our implementation include:

• Progressive Knowledge and Skills
  Our curriculum builds from EYFS to Year 6. Pupils revisit and deepen knowledge over time. Map skills start with simple directions in Key Stage 1 and progress to grid references, digital mapping and data analysis in Key Stage 2.
• Topics as Drivers
  Geography topics link with other subjects and drive wider learning. Pupils study local geography in Key Stage 1 and then explore continents, rivers, rainforests and global issues in Key Stage 2.
• Billingham and Beyond
  “Billingham and Beyond” ensures all pupils take part in fieldwork. Younger pupils start with observations and recording. Older pupils collect data, analyse results and make decisions. This builds strong local knowledge and links it to the wider world.
• Use of Technology
  Pupils use Seesaw to record and share their work in creative ways, including photos, maps, videos and voice notes. In Key Stage 2, they use digital mapping tools and satellite images.
• Assessment for Learning
  Teachers use Foundation Assessment Sheets to check prior knowledge and identify gaps. Pupils reflect on their learning throughout and at the end of each topic. Key assessment end points help measure how well pupils have learned essential knowledge and skills.
• Inclusion and Engagement
  Geography is planned for all learners. Teachers use adaptive resources, visual supports and practical activities. Links with other subjects and visits keep learning engaging.

Curriculum Impact

Through our geography curriculum, pupils at Bewley Primary School become:

• Confident geographers who understand places locally and globally
• Knowledgeable about Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees and how these fit into wider contexts
• Critical thinkers who ask questions, analyse evidence and draw conclusions
• Respectful citizens who value people and the environment
• Effective communicators who share findings in writing, presentations, maps and diagrams

We measure impact through pupil discussions, learning walks, book reviews and checks of pupils’ work on Seesaw. We review Foundation Assessment Sheets and look for high-quality work showing that pupils remember and apply what they learn.

By the time they leave Bewley Primary School, pupils are Bright, Proud and Successful geographers who understand the world and have the skills to keep exploring as lifelong learners.