Geography Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Intent
At Chingford Foundation School, our vision is to inspire students to make sense of, and be curious about, places and people using a wide range of geographical knowledge and skills. We want to encourage them to investigate place at all scales from their local area of Chingford to the rest of the world. We want students to understand and appreciate the world and how physical and human landscapes are interdependent and interconnected. We want them to explore big ideas and make sense of people and places using a wide range of geographical data. We want students to be aware of the complex issues facing our planet and to comprehend the challenges of the future. We want to inspire them to become global citizens, who feel responsible for their environment. We want them to be able to be able to problem solve and be confident Geographers who can communicate their ideas with clarity and poise.
Geography reflects our four curriculum pillars:
- Knowledge – Students gain a deep understanding of physical and human processes, spatial patterns, and global interconnections. They study real-world case studies, developing mastery of key geographical terminology, map skills and data interpretation.
- Independence – Learners carry out investigations, analyse geographical data and reflect critically on their findings. Fieldwork and enquiry-based learning promote self-direction and resilience.
- Empowerment – Geography equips students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about the planet’s future. They explore global challenges and learn how individuals and communities can bring about positive change.
- Inclusion – The curriculum values diverse cultures, perspectives and environments, ensuring all learners can see their place in the world and contribute meaningfully to its stewardship.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)
At Key Stage 3, students develop curiosity about the world and the people within it. They explore both physical geography — the natural processes that shape our planet — and human geography, which examines how people interact with and impact their environment.
Year 7
- Chingford and Our Local Area – Investigating the physical and human geography of our community, building map and fieldwork skills.
- Rivers – Exploring river processes, landforms and uses, linking to the water cycle and erosion.
- Resources – Understanding renewable and non-renewable resources, energy and water security.
- Weather and Climate – Learning how weather systems and global patterns influence daily life.
- Volcanoes – Studying tectonic activity, types of volcanoes and their impacts on people and environments.
- Development and the Economy – Exploring global inequalities, types of work and how development can be measured and improved.
Year 8
- UK Geography – Understanding the physical and human characteristics of the UK, including its economy and regional diversity.
- Coasts – Investigating coastal processes, landforms and management.
- Climate Change – Analysing causes, effects and solutions at local and global scales.
- Geology – Learning about rock types, weathering and erosion, fossils and soil formation.
- Ecosystems – Exploring global biomes such as tropical rainforests and deserts, and how plants and animals adapt.
- Russia – Examining the country’s diverse human and physical geography, climate and natural resources.
Year 9
- Population and Migration – Studying global population growth, migration causes and impacts.
- The Power of Ice – Understanding glacial processes, landforms and their role in shaping the Earth’s surface.
- Earthquakes and Tsunamis – Investigating tectonic hazards, comparing impacts in LICs and HICs.
- Africa – Exploring the continent’s physical geography, colonial history, development and resource challenges.
- The Middle East – Analysing biomes, conflict, development and human-environment interaction.
- GCSE Transition Unit: The Changing Economic World – Examining global inequality, the development gap and strategies for reducing it.
By the end of KS3, students are confident in using maps, graphs and fieldwork techniques, and are ready to apply this knowledge to the demands of GCSE Geography.
Key Stage 4 (GCSE Geography – AQA)
At GCSE, students study AQA Geography, which builds on KS3 knowledge to investigate the relationship between people and the environment through three key themes.
Paper 1: Living with the Physical Environment
- The Challenge of Natural Hazards (tectonic, atmospheric and climate change)
- The Living World (ecosystems, tropical rainforests, hot deserts)
- Physical Landscapes in the UK (coasts and rivers)
Paper 2: Challenges in the Human Environment
- Urban Issues and Challenges (Rio de Janeiro and London case studies)
- The Changing Economic World (Nigeria and the UK)
- Resource Management (food, water and energy in the UK)
Paper 3: Geographical Applications
- Issue Evaluation (pre-release booklet and decision-making exercise)
- Fieldwork (two contrasting investigations: one physical, one human)
The course encourages critical thinking, problem-solving and evidence-based decision-making. Students analyse maps, photographs and data to understand key geographical concepts and processes.
Fieldwork experiences allow students to apply their learning beyond the classroom, developing practical and analytical skills.
Key Stage 5 (A Level Geography – Edexcel A)
At A Level, Geography challenges students to think critically about global issues and complex systems. They explore the physical and human processes that shape the modern world and evaluate strategies for sustainable futures.
Physical Geography Units:
- Tectonic Processes and Hazards – Understanding why some locations are more at risk and how disasters are managed.
- Coastal Landscapes and Change – Studying coastal processes, erosion and management strategies.
- The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity – Exploring global hydrology and the challenges of water scarcity.
- The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security – Investigating global energy demand, sustainability and climate links.
Human Geography Units:
- Regenerating Places – Understanding place identity, urban regeneration and community change.
- Superpowers – Analysing the rise and influence of global powers and geopolitical tension.
- Migration, Identity and Sovereignty – Exploring the impacts of globalisation, nationalism and international cooperation.
Independent Investigation (NEA)
Students design and complete their own independent fieldwork investigation based on a question of personal interest. This coursework allows students to apply practical, analytical and evaluative skills through real-world enquiry.
A Level Geography develops globally minded, critically aware students prepared for degrees and careers in environmental science, international relations, urban planning, sustainability, and beyond.
Links to Other Areas of Study
Geography bridges the humanities and sciences, linking naturally with subjects such as Science, History, Economics, and Business. Students apply numeracy, literacy and analytical skills across their learning — interpreting data, evaluating evidence and forming balanced conclusions.
