Geography

Back to Our Subjects.

Member of staff

Mrs N. Franklin: Curriculum Lead Geography/Morals and Ethics
Mr E. Boyce: Teacher of Geography
Mrs L. Armitage: Teacher of Humanities

Intent

At South Wigston High School, our geography curriculum is built on the foundation of our core values: Ambition, Determination, and Respect. These values underpin every aspect of our teaching and learning, ensuring that learners not only gain academic knowledge but also grow into responsible, reflective global citizens.

In geography, learners explore key processes and concepts that span both the human and physical world. They develop a broad and deep understanding of diverse places, people, resources, and environments, while being encouraged to think critically about the connections between topics and the impact of human activity on the planet.

We aim to:

• Inspire Ambition by fostering curiosity and a lifelong fascination with the world and its people. Learners are encouraged to ask big questions, explore global challenges, and consider how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
• Promote Determination through a rigorous and engaging curriculum that challenges learners to develop analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills. Geography lessons are designed to build resilience and independence, preparing learners for further study and the world of work.
• Cultivate Respect by encouraging learners to appreciate cultural diversity, understand global inequalities, and reflect on their responsibilities as citizens of a shared planet.

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum offers a rich and balanced programme that mirrors the breadth and depth of the National Curriculum. This strong foundation enables learners to progress confidently into Key Stage 4 and beyond. Literacy is embedded throughout the curriculum, with a focus on tier three vocabulary, extended writing, and reading comprehension. Teachers model academic language and support learners in developing their communication skills across all topics.

Studying geography at South Wigston High School empowers learners to reflect on their role in the world and equips them with the knowledge and tools to make conscientious, informed decisions. There has never been a more important time to study geography—a subject that opens doors to understanding our dynamic world and inspires learners to shape a better future.

Implementation

Geography is taught through a sequenced and inclusive programme of study that develops learners’ skills in four key learning foci (LFs): 

• LF1: Demonstrate geographical knowledge and understanding
• LF2: Apply geographical knowledge to interpret and explain
• LF3: Use geographical skills, maps, and data
• LF4: Evaluate issues and form reasoned conclusions
  
  

At Key Stage 3

Geography at KS3 is all about exploring the world around you—how it works, how people live, and how everything is connected. You’ll ask big questions, investigate real-world issues, and build skills that help you understand the planet and your place in it.

Skills they will build;

• Reading and using maps, graphs, and data
• Asking questions and investigating answers
• Writing clearly and using key geographical words
• Working with others and thinking critically

Assessment is based on the KS3 Geography Grade Descriptors, which use a four-tier model, Emerging, Advancing, Deepening, and Mastering, to track progress and provide clear, supportive feedback.

At Key Stage 4, learners follow the AQA GCSE Geography course which, builds directly on the knowledge, skills, and concepts introduced at KS3, creating a smooth and purposeful progression. 

Impact

By the end of Key Stage 3, learners will have: 

The impact of the KS3 geography curriculum can be seen in several key areas of student development, both academically and personally. 

• Learners develop a broad and balanced understanding of physical and human geography.
• They gain insight into global issues such as climate change, urbanisation, and development.
• They begin to understand the interconnectedness of people, places, and environments.
• Learners build critical thinking and enquiry skills through geographical investigations.

Our geography curriculum ensures that learners leave KS3 with the ambition to develop a curiosity for the world around them, the determination to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the respect to foster a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, environmental sustainability, and global interdependence.

At Key Stage 4, learners demonstrate key skills such as data analysis, decision-making, and extended writing—essential for success at GCSE and beyond. The curriculum not only prepares them for academic success but also equips them with transferable skills for life.  

KS3 Progress Statements

ks3 geography progress statements .pdf