Geography
The geography curriculum at Brookfield is designed to inspire curiosity and a lifelong fascination with the world and its people. Children begin with their home and immediate environment, gradually building their understanding of Britain, Europe, and the wider world through thematic and regional studies. Our curriculum follows the four key areas of geographical knowledge – place knowledge, locational knowledge, human and physical geography, and geographical skills – to ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum.
We go beyond these expectations with a rigorous curriculum that is broad in scope, carefully sequenced, and balances both substantive and disciplinary knowledge. This approach ensures children not only meet but exceed the experiences and expectations of the National Curriculum. By the time they leave Brookfield, pupils have developed expert map skills, the ability to ask meaningful geographical questions, and a strong understanding of their place in the world. This allows them to think critically, make connections across their learning, and engage with the world as informed, active global citizens.
Understanding 'Place' in our curriculum
At Brookfield, our geography curriculum is rooted in a strong sense of place. We believe that places are best understood not just through maps and data, but through the lived experiences of the people who inhabit them. By grounding our units of learning in real stories, we help children connect more deeply with the world and develop a meaningful understanding of how places are shaped.
Each topic is designed to be rich and evocative, bringing geography to life through human experience. Pupils explore what it means to live in dynamic and sometimes challenging environments—from the dangers faced by communities living near volcanoes, to how people rebuild their lives after earthquakes. They learn about daily life in places such as the favelas of Brazil, and examine why people choose to migrate, considering the social, economic, and environmental factors that influence these decisions.
Through this approach, children come to understand that places are not static. They are shaped by the interaction between physical features, human activity, and the decisions people make. By encountering a broad and diverse range of perspectives, pupils develop empathy, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation of the complexity of our world.
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