Geography Curriculum - The Cornerstone Academy Trust

Geography

Geography at our schools is a dynamic and forward-thinking subject that sparks curiosity about the world and its people. Through the exploration of both human and physical geography, pupils gain a deep understanding of their local environment, their country, and the wider world. Our curriculum is carefully designed to help children build a strong knowledge of global locations, places, and geographical features, while also developing an understanding of the processes that shape our planet and influence human activity. As they progress, pupils become proficient in essential geographical skills such as map reading, fieldwork, and data analysis. Geography also encourages meaningful connections across the curriculum, particularly with subjects like Spanish and History, enriching pupils’ learning and broadening their global perspective.

Nursery

In Nursery, pupils begin to explore geography by learning about their immediate surroundings and the people and places that are familiar to them. They talk about their homes, families, and what they see on their way to school. Through stories, photos, and simple maps, they begin to understand that different people live in different kinds of homes and places. Pupils enjoy seasonal walks where they observe changes in the weather and nature, helping them to notice how the world around them changes over time. They also begin to explore different environments through play and storytelling, such as forests, farms, and oceans, laying the foundation for understanding the wider world.

Reception

In Reception, pupils build on their early experiences by exploring a broader view of the world. They learn to describe their local environment using maps, drawings, and digital tools, and begin to compare it with other places around the world. Pupils talk about different types of weather, landscapes, and homes, and they begin to understand that people live in many different ways depending on where they are. Through engaging topics such as journeys, habitats, and space, they explore how environments vary and how they can be cared for. Seasonal walks and photo comparisons help them observe and describe changes over time, encouraging curiosity and a growing awareness of the world beyond their own community.

Year 1

In Year 1 Geography, children begin to explore the world around them by learning how to read and create simple maps, starting with their school and local area. They investigate cold climates, comparing their own environment with places like Antarctica, and learn to identify physical and human features. As the year progresses, they explore how they travel to school, observe seasonal weather patterns, and discover the countries and capital cities of the UK—especially through the theme of castles. They finish the year by learning about the world’s continents and oceans, creating simple maps with keys, and exploring British beaches. These topics are brought to life through practical activities and investigations that help children make meaningful connections with the world they live in.

Name and locate the four countries of the UK and their capitals.
Identify seasonal and daily weather patterns.
Use simple maps and directional language.
Explore local geography (school and surroundings).

Year 2

In Year 2 Geography, children develop their understanding of the world through a range of exciting and meaningful topics. They begin by exploring London—locating it on a map, identifying famous landmarks, and comparing how it has changed over time. As the year progresses, they learn about the UK during World War II, investigate their local area by creating maps, and compare life in the UK with Kenya. Children also take part in hands-on fieldwork, such as traffic counting, and revisit the continents while exploring countries and their key features. These engaging topics are brought to life through practical activities and investigations that help children make real-world connections and deepen their geographical understanding.