Geography

How do we teach Geography in the Bursledon Federation?

Our Geography curriculum at Bursledon Federation aims to engage and fascinate our children about the world we live in and to encourage pupils to be curious and enthusiastic to discover the world around them both near and far. We want the children to have an awareness of the diversity of landscapes across the world and how these have developed in the way they have. We aim to encourage our children to see how humans have had an impact on the world in a range of ways, both positive and negative and our responsibilities within this. We aim to help children to make sense of, understand and thrive within the unique context of the Bursledon area that they live in, using our proximity to the River Hamble, Southampton, the M27 and our place within the world around us.

Geography is an exciting, exploratory subject where children learn to understand the world around them—its people, places, environments and the processes that shape them. Our curriculum encourages pupils to think like geographers by developing their curiosity about the world, asking thoughtful questions and using maps, fieldwork and real-life data to investigate both local and global contexts. Through rich discussions and Voice 21 oracy strategies, children learn to communicate their ideas clearly, debate geographical issues, explain patterns and processes, and listen to different viewpoints with respect. Lessons are purposeful, knowledge-rich and rooted in enquiry, helping pupils build a deep understanding of physical and human geography and how these interact to influence the world we live in today. We aim for all children to leave Bursledon with a strong sense of place, an appreciation for the planet, and the confidence to engage with the challenges and opportunities of an ever‑changing world.

The Bursledon Geography Curriculum

Infant School Overview:

Junior School Overview:

At Bursledon Infant and Junior School, Geography inspires children to explore the world around them through curiosity, observation, and first-hand experience. Beginning with our local community, pupils investigate Bursledon’s human and physical features through fieldwork and visits to places such as the local park and Bursledon Windmill. As their understanding widens, children compare Bursledon with contrasting places in the UK and beyond, learning about continents, oceans, and hot and cold climates. Through engaging themes such as Superheroes, London Victorians, Space, and Journeys, pupils develop the geographical knowledge and skills needed to describe places, understand environments, and recognise their place in an interconnected world.

What does a Bursledon Geography expert look like?

Curious explorer – asks thoughtful geographical questions about places, people and environments.
Confident communicator – uses oracy strategies to explain ideas clearly, discuss issues and engage in meaningful geographical talk.
Map & data interpreter – reads maps, atlases, charts and digital data with confidence to draw conclusions.
Fieldwork investigator – uses fieldwork skills to observe, measure, record and present geographical information.
Global thinker – understands how human and physical processes interact and recognises their impact on the world.
Vocabulary expert – uses precise geographical terminology to describe patterns, processes and locations.
Connected citizen – makes links between local and global geography, understanding their role in caring for the planet.