Geography

Subject Statement

How does geography shape who we are? How does the land we walk on influence our past, present, and future? At Sikh Heritage Girls School, we believe that geography is the foundation of global understanding, helping our pupils develop a sense of place, identity, and responsibility towards the world.

Grounded in research, our geography curriculum is designed to nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of people, places, and environments (Ofsted, 2021). Through immersive, enquiry-led learning, our pupils engage with real-world issues such as climate change, urbanisation, and sustainability. As a Punjabi-English bilingual school, we encourage rich geographical oracy, enabling our girls to articulate their understanding with confidence and clarity.

Statement of Intent

Geography at Sikh Heritage Girls School is about much more than maps and place names—it is about understanding our world and our place within it. Our curriculum is ambitious, diverse, and relevant, connecting local, national, and global scales. We encourage our pupils to think like geographers by asking powerful questions: How does migration shape communities? Why do rivers carve the land the way they do? How do different cultures adapt to their environments?

Our curriculum is designed to:

  • Build geographical knowledge through progressive skill development using the National Curriculum and Cornerstones Curriculum.

  • Spark curiosity about the world through meaningful enquiry questions and real-world case studies.

  • Develop pupils’ ability to think critically, interpret evidence, and debate geographical issues with confidence.

  • Empower children to see past cultural and geographical differences, with the ability to challenge stereotypes. 

  • Promote equity by ensuring all pupils, regardless of background or ability, have access to enriching geographical experiences.

  • Embed our core values—self-awareness, discipline, courage, effort, and perseverance—by exploring themes of resilience, adaptability, and sustainability in geography.

Statement of Implementation

At Sikh Heritage Girls School, we implement a high-quality geography curriculum by:

  • Enquiry-Based Learning: Every unit begins with a compelling question that ignites curiosity, such as Why do people settle near rivers? or What makes a place ‘home’? These questions guide pupils through meaningful investigations.

  • Carefully Sequenced Knowledge and Skills: Using the Cornerstones Curriculum, we ensure a progressive build-up of geographical knowledge and skills, from early map-reading in Year 1 to fieldwork investigations in Year 6.

  • High Levels of Oracy: Pupils develop their ability to explain geographical processes and debate environmental issues through structured discussion, role-play, and presentation opportunities.

  • Equity Through Scaffolding and Challenge: We ensure all pupils access learning through pre-teaching vocabulary, visual aids, and hands-on activities, while stretching more able learners through independent research and open-ended enquiry tasks.

  • Learning Outside the Classroom: Fieldwork is integral to our geography curriculum, whether exploring the River Thames, investigating land use in Buckinghamshire, or comparing urban and rural landscapes in Slough. First-hand experiences make learning tangible and memorable. We are proud of our commitment to use technology to enhance pupil experiences, such as the use of VR to support their understanding and immersion in geography lessons.

  • SMSC Development: Geography naturally lends itself to Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) education. Pupils develop an appreciation for different cultures, engage with moral issues such as deforestation and water scarcity, and reflect on their own responsibilities as global citizens.

  • Interdisciplinary Links: Geography connects seamlessly with history, science, and literacy, reinforcing learning across the curriculum. For example, when studying the Punjab, pupils examine its physical geography while also exploring its historical significance.

Statement of Impact

What does it mean to be a geographer at Sikh Heritage Girls School? Our pupils leave with more than just geographical knowledge—they leave with the skills and confidence to explore, question, and engage with the world around them.

The impact of our geography curriculum is seen in:

  • High levels of pupil engagement and curiosity—children love asking big questions and seeking answers through research and fieldwork.

  • Confident geographical communication—pupils can explain key processes like erosion, the movement of tectonic plates, population growth, and climate change with clarity and depth.

  • A strong sense of place and identity—our pupils develop a deep appreciation for their local environment, from the urban spaces of Slough to the vibrant cultural history of Punjab.

  • Preparation for the Future—whether pupils aspire to be urban planners, environmental scientists, geologists, or global policymakers, our geography curriculum equips them with the foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills needed for diverse careers.

At Sikh Heritage Girls School, geography is more than a subject—it is a lens through which our pupils see the world. With every river they trace, every map they analyse, and every discussion they engage in, they are developing the skills, knowledge, and values to become informed, responsible citizens of the future.

Reference: Ofsted (2021). Research Review Series: Geography. Available at: www.gov.uk