Geography at Ashbourne Primary School

We harness our unique location on the edge of the Peak District, providing rich opportunities for first-hand learning and exploration.

At Ashbourne Primary, children develop a strong understanding of the world, their country and their local area. Pupils are encouraged to explore the environment around them, making meaningful connections between their learning and the place in which they live.

Our curriculum promotes an understanding of diversity, environments and how people use resources, helping pupils to understand how geography shapes lives across the world. Through this, children develop curiosity, awareness and a growing sense of responsibility for the world around them.

Curriculum Progression

Our geography curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced over a two-year cycle:

• Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) – pupils develop foundational geographical knowledge and begin to explore their local area
• Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4) – pupils deepen their understanding and begin to make connections between different places and environments
• Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6) – pupils build on prior learning to analyse, compare and understand more complex geographical concepts

We recognise that learning takes time and repetition. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that key knowledge and processes are embedded in pupils’ long-term memory, enabling them to apply their understanding across a range of contexts and topics.

Learning in Context

We make the most of our local environment, giving pupils regular opportunities to explore the area around them. This helps to bring learning to life and develop a deeper understanding of geographical concepts through real-world experiences.

Linked to Our Golden Threads

Our geography curriculum supports our Golden Threads:

• Language and Literacy – pupils develop geographical vocabulary and explain their understanding clearly
• Resilience and Regulation – pupils learn to investigate, question and persevere when exploring new ideas
• Belonging and Becoming – pupils develop a sense of place, identity and understanding of the wider world

Through our geography curriculum, pupils:

• Develop a secure understanding of key geographical knowledge and concepts
• Gain a strong awareness of their local area and the wider world
• Understand diversity and how environments shape people’s lives
• Build curiosity and interest in the world around them
• Are well prepared for further learning in geography