Geography

ABOUT THIS CURRICULUM

Geography at Eden Park

At Eden Park, we offer a high-quality Geography curriculum that immerses children in the unique geography of Brixham while connecting them to the wider world. Our approach ensures that all children gain a solid understanding of core geographical knowledge, empowering them to form their own opinions on key issues, for example, the local fishing industry and global challenges such as climate change. Through engaging visits and guest speakers, we aim to inspire curiosity and spark a love for learning about the world around them.

Our curriculum is built around four key geographical themes—weather, oceans, environmental geography, and studies of location and place.  These are revisited throughout their education at Eden Park and are specifically chosen to reflect our children’s lived experiences and provide opportunities for deepening their knowledge year on year. Additionally, we incorporate the “voices” of geography, or disciplinary knowledge, which enhances their learning and understanding of how geography shapes the world.

In our geography lessons, we aim to foster a sense of respect and teamwork, as these core values are integral to our lessons. Through exciting, hands-on activities, real-world examples, and meaningful lessons, students will gain skills that help them engage with the planet and their place in it.

Our geography curriculum endeavours to ignite a lasting curiosity about the world and its people. It provides pupils with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources, and environments, while fostering a deep understanding of Earth's physical and human processes. As students progress, their knowledge will help them understand the interaction between physical and human processes, as well as the formation and use of landscapes. Geographical knowledge and skills offer frameworks to explain how the Earth's features are shaped, interconnected, and change over time.

By exploring the geography of their own community and beyond, students at Eden Park will build curiosity, knowledge, and respect for the world in which they live.

Geography in the Early Years‍

In the Early Years children will encounter Geography through ‘Understanding of the World’. Here children will look at people, culture and communities and the natural world. They will leave Early Years with a basic understanding of where they live and how this differs to other areas (Brixham and Beyond). Children are also well prepared for their Y1 learning on the weather through their daily discussions and observations of weather conditions and seasons. Year 1 builds on this prior learning and extends it through their fieldwork studies. The EYFS curriculum is mindful of how their curriculum can be used to create the foundations of prior knowledge which we build upon as children journey through Year 1 and KS1.

‍

Geography Key Stage One

By the end of Key Stage 1, children at Eden Park will be able to locate Brixham on a map and describe its key geographical features. They will name the four countries of the UK, along with some major cities and rivers, and compare life in the UK to a contrasting locality such as The Gambia. Children will explore seasonal and daily weather patterns and understand how these vary in different places. They will also learn to name and locate the world’s seven continents and five oceans. Through hands-on experiences and mapwork, they will develop an understanding of how locations are represented and how data can help us interpret the world around us.

Geography Key Stage Two

In Key Stage 2, children at Eden Park build on their foundational knowledge to develop a deeper understanding of both human and physical geography. They explore specific countries within each continent, study European capitals, and investigate the features of regions such as Africa (with a focus on Egypt), Antarctica, and parts of North and South America, Asia, and Australasia. Pupils gain insight into how physical features like rivers and mountains are formed, and how weather and climate affect different parts of the world, including natural disasters and climate change. Through our strong community links, such as working with Brixham Fish Market, children learn about local industry and the journey from sea to plate. They also explore the impact of human actions on the environment, including plastic pollution and sustainability. This rich curriculum supports pupils in developing confident map skills, global awareness, and a sense of responsibility for the planet.

Enriching Geography

Geography at Eden Park is brought to life through our stunning local environment and strong community links. From a Reception beach trip to explore the seaside first-hand, to studying natural and physical features on a walk across Berry Head, children deepen their understanding through real experiences. Our partnership with COVE Discovery helps pupils connect with the coast and local habitats, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility. In Year 5 and 6, pupils take part in a beach clean, learning about human impact and sustainability. Across the school, regular trips within the community support geographical learning in meaningful and memorable ways.

‍