At Burnt Oak Junior School, we believe geography provides children with opportunities to explore the world around them, develop their curiosity and understand the relationship between people, places and the environment.

Our geography curriculum encourages children to ask questions, investigate different places and develop an appreciation of the world's diverse landscapes, cultures and communities. Through exploring both their local environment and the wider world, children gain an understanding of how places change over time and the impact that human activity has on our planet.

We want every child to see themselves as a geographer. Geography encourages children to think critically, develop their investigative skills and recognise the importance of caring for the world in which we live.

Our Geography Curriculum – CUSP

At Burnt Oak Junior School, we follow the CUSP Geography Curriculum, which provides a carefully planned and sequenced approach to developing children's geographical knowledge, understanding and practical skills.

Throughout Years 3 to 6, children build on their previous learning as they explore different countries, continents, environments and geographical processes. The curriculum encourages children to make connections between places, understand similarities and differences, and consider how people interact with the natural world.

Our geography curriculum focusses on four key areas:

• Locational Knowledge – developing an understanding of where places are located, including countries, continents, oceans and significant geographical features.

• Place Knowledge – exploring the physical and human characteristics of different places and understanding what makes them unique.

• Human and Physical Geography – investigating natural processes, landscapes, settlements and the ways in which human activity affects the environment.

• Geographical Skills and Fieldwork – developing confidence in using maps, atlases, globes, compasses and geographical data to investigate and interpret the world.

Children are encouraged to use appropriate geographical vocabulary, ask questions, analyse information and explain their findings with increasing confidence.

Geography Beyond the Classroom

We believe that geography is best understood when children have opportunities to experience and investigate the world around them.

At Burnt Oak Junior School, we make use of our local environment, educational visits and practical fieldwork to bring geographical learning to life. Through The Pioneer Passport, children have opportunities to broaden their experiences and make meaningful connections between classroom learning and the wider world.

Fieldwork allows children to observe, collect information, investigate geographical questions and develop their understanding of places first-hand.

We also encourage children to apply their geographical knowledge across other curriculum subjects, helping them recognise how geography connects with history, science and everyday life.

Our aim is for children to leave Burnt Oak Junior School as curious, knowledgeable and environmentally aware learners who understand their place in the world and recognise the importance of protecting it for future generations.