Geography

Geography Leader: Mrs Jody Marson

Mrs. Jody Marson leads Geography at Northstead Community Primary School with a passion for helping children explore and understand the world around them. She ensures our geography curriculum is rich, engaging, and meaningful—from learning about local landmarks to studying continents and cultures across the globe. Through fieldwork, map work, and interactive lessons, Mrs. Marson inspires curiosity and encourages children to ask questions about the environment, places, and people. Her aim is to give every child the knowledge and skills they need to become thoughtful, informed global citizens.

Geography at Northstead Community Primary School – A Parent’s Guide

At Northstead, we aim to spark children’s curiosity about the world around them through an engaging and well-planned geography curriculum. From understanding local environments to exploring global cultures, our lessons are designed to build knowledge step by step.

A Stimulating Learning Environment

• Maps and Globes are central to our classrooms. Children in Key Stage 1 focus on the UK, Year 3 explore Europe, and Years 4–6 study the wider world.
• Classrooms are supported by interactive geography displays including maps, key vocabulary, and images that grow throughout the term.
• Year groups focusing on a specific country will also have detailed maps of that region.

How We Teach Geography

• Lessons begin with retrieval questions to revisit previous learning (from last lesson, last term, and last year), helping children make connections.
• Learning objectives are shared at the start of each lesson and referred to throughout.
• Lessons include a hook to capture children’s interest and spark inquiry.
• We use a gradual teaching approach: “I do, we do, you do”—modelling first, then practising together, and finally allowing independent work.

Learning Tools and Resources

• Children use engaging digital tools like Digimaps for Schools, Espresso Discovery, and Oddizzi.
• We make use of videos, websites, and real-world examples to bring topics to life.

Vocabulary and Understanding

• Children are taught key geographical vocabulary explicitly and in context.
• These terms are displayed on classroom walls to support learning and understanding.

Fieldwork and Outdoor Learning

• Geography learning goes beyond the classroom with fieldwork opportunities that include mapping, exploring local environments, and using directional language.
• Children help complete risk assessments, encouraging responsibility and awareness.
• All trips follow a clearly marked route with maps in hand.

Reflecting and Assessing

• Lessons end with a chance to reflect and assess learning.
• Teachers use national curriculum objectives to ensure progress and tailor support where needed.