We are Geographers

Intent:
At Clapham & Patching, we want our children to be curious about the world around them – to ask questions, notice patterns, and wonder about places near and far. Geography helps them make sense of their surroundings, from the village green to the wider world, and to understand how people and places are connected. We want our children to feel like geographers – exploring maps, thinking about the environment, and developing a strong sense of place and responsibility for the planet. Through geography, we aim to build a love of discovery, a respect for different communities, and an awareness of how we can care for the world we share.

Implementation:
Our geography curriculum starts in the Early Years, with children exploring their immediate environment through stories, play and simple maps. As they move up through school, their knowledge of places, people and environments grows steadily – from learning about their local area to comparing regions across the world. Each topic is carefully planned to include a balance of practical fieldwork, map skills, research, and discussion. Wherever possible, we bring learning to life with real-world experiences: walks in the local area, weather observations, nature studies, and using atlases, globes, and digital tools to deepen understanding.

Impact:
By the time they leave us, our children have a well-rounded understanding of both the physical and human world. They can talk confidently about different places, explain geographical processes, and use maps and vocabulary with skill. More than that, they show a genuine interest in the world – asking thoughtful questions, making connections, and thinking about their role as global citizens. Geography at our school helps children to look beyond themselves, to appreciate diversity, and to care about the future of our planet.