Geography
At Upminster Junior School, our geography curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and help pupils better understand the world and its people. We aim to build a lasting interest in the Earth’s different places, environments, and cultures. Through engaging lessons, our geography teaching supports British Values, encourages global citizenship, and teaches children to take responsibility for their world. Pupils learn how local, national, and global communities are connected. They also explore important physical and human processes and begin to understand the environmental challenges our planet faces today and their role in making a change.
Knowledge
At Upminster Junior School, pupils build a secure understanding of both physical and human geography. They learn about a wide range of places and environments, from their local area to contrasting locations around the world. Through a range of topics, pupils gain knowledge of important geographical themes such as climate change, migration, deforestation, and sustainable development. They develop an understanding of how environments are shaped, interconnected, and influenced by both natural processes and human activity. Pupils also learn key geographical vocabulary and concepts that support their ability to describe and explain the world around them
Skills
Geography at Upminster Junior School equips pupils with a wide range of enquiry and investigative skills. Children learn how to ask meaningful geographical questions, collect and record information, and interpret a variety of sources, including maps, atlases, aerial photographs, and digital tools. They develop practical fieldwork skills, including map-reading, using directional language and making and interpreting simple plans. Pupils also learn to consider different viewpoints and begin to evaluate geographical issues critically. These skills support them to analyse patterns, make comparisons, and communicate their findings clearly and accurately.
Experiences
Geographical understanding is improved through hands-on fieldwork, real-world investigations, and exciting topics that spark curiosity and deepen learning. Pupils explore their local area and the wider world through practical enquiry. Enrichment opportunities, such as VR workshops, help bring geography to life and link learning to global issues and sustainability.
