At Sir John Hunt, our geography curriculum has been carefully designed to inspire a lifelong curiosity and fascination about the world, while providing pupils with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their futures.  Through geography, students will begin to understand the complex relationship between humans and the natural world, fostering an awareness of our interdependence and shared responsibility for our planet. They will explore how features of the world, at a variety of scales, are shaped, interconnected, and constantly changing over time. Our curriculum not only fosters a comprehensive understanding of geographical concepts but also equips students with essential analytical and problem-solving skills.  All students will develop a deeper appreciation for the world around them, becoming inquisitive, informed, and confident learners while challenging them all to meet their potential.

Place	Places play a vital role in the lives of people. The physical and human qualities of a place influence the way we live and are, in turn, influenced by people over time. Geographers investigate the outcomes of these changes in our dynamic world.
Space	The three key elements of space are: Location – where things are located around the world Spatial distribution – how things are arranged in shapes or patterns Organisation – how and why people arrange and manage things
Scale	Geographers study the world on many different spatial levels, including local, regional, national, international, and global scales.
Processes	To understand the dynamic systems that shape the human and physical world
Culture	Appreciate the variety of cultures, values, and societies around the world and how these shape geographical patterns and interactions
Sustainability	Humans constantly interact with their environments. To do this sustainably, humans must develop methods to ensure that all resources on Earth are used and managed responsibly – maintaining them for future generations without compromising the needs of people today.
Interdependence	The mutual dependence of several factors on each other - for example, economic interdependence - when one country relies on the workforce from another country; social interdependence - when migration leads to extensive family networks straddling two countries or environmental interdependence - for our mutual survival such as climate change mitigation.
Skills in Geography	Geographic skills provide the necessary tools and techniques for us to think geographically. They are central to geography's distinctive approach to understanding Earth's physical and human patterns and processes. All these decisions involve the ability to acquire, present, communicate, critically think, empathise and use geographic information.

Year 7

Maps - Students learn how to read and interpret maps, using skills such as grid references, scale, symbols and compass directions to gain an understanding of their everyday importance.

UK - Students study the physical and human geography of the United Kingdom, including key cities, landscapes, regions, and population patterns over time.

Weather and Climate - This topic introduces students to weather conditions, how they are measured, and the differences between weather and climate and extreme weather events.

Africa - Students discover the diversity of Africa’s landscapes, climates, and cultures, challenging stereotypes and building a more accurate understanding of the continent, with a particular focus on Nigeria.

Rivers - Students learn about the features and processes of rivers, from source to mouth, and their impact on the landscape and their importance to people and the environment.

Fieldwork - Students take part in practical fieldwork activities, developing skills in data collection, observation, and geographical enquiry outside of the classroom.

Year 8

1. Coasts – Students explore how coastal landscapes are shaped by natural processes and how humans interact with and manage these dynamic environments by examining UK and Worldwide case study examples.
2. India and China – Pupils investigate the physical and human geography of two of the World’s most populous countries, examining their cultures, economies, and global influence and what the future may hold as they develop.
3. Glaciation – This unit focuses on how glaciers form and shape the lands of the UK, as well as the lasting impact of ice on our landscapes and environments, with particular focus on the Lake District.
4. The Middle East – Students gain insights into the diverse physical and human geography of this important global region, including its climate, resources, and geopolitical significance.
5. Tectonic Hazards – Students learn about the causes and effects of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunami’s, as well as how people prepare for and respond to these powerful natural events.

Year 9

Climate change - Studying the causes and impacts of climate change, the evidence for it, and how humans can mitigate and adapt to its effects.

World issues - Examines global issues related to water scarcity, food security, poverty, plastic pollution, and ecological footprints, and their interconnected impact on sustainable development.

Ecosystems - A study of ecosystems, including oceans, the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests, deserts, focusing on their structure, function, and the impact of human activity.

Russia - Explores Russia's landscapes, tourism, geopolitical issues, natural resources, Arctic region, and environmental challenges.

Borders - Examines the evolution and creation of borders, their role in global politics, and the impact of institutions like the UN and EU, as well as conflicts that arise at border regions.

Year 10

The Living World - A study of the Ecosystems like tropical rainforests and cold environments and how human activity interact with natural systems.

The Changing Economic World - Global development varies between countries and regions, affecting quality of life and economic opportunities.

Urban Issues and Challenges - Rapid urbanisation creates opportunities and challenges for cities in terms of housing, transport, and services.

Year 11

The Challenge of Natural Hazards - How Natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tropical storms, and climate change pose risks to people and the environment.

Physical Landscapes in the UK The UK's coastal and river landscapes need careful management and are shaped by processes of erosion, transportation, and deposition.

The Challenge of Resource Management - The sustainable management of food, water, and energy resources is vital for meeting the needs of a growing global population.

Year 12

Changing places - Exploring how people experience, understand, and are affected by places through lived experiences, demographic or economic changes, and representations

Hazards - Examines the causes, impacts, and human responses to natural hazards - such as tectonic, seismic, volcanic, storm, and wildfire events

Water and carbon - Explores the systems and processes governing water and carbon movement across Earth's major stores, their interactions and variations over time and space, links to climate and life on Earth, and human impacts.

Coasts - Examines how natural processes and human actions shape coastal landscapes and how coasts are managed in response to change.

Year 13

1. Urbanisation - Students explore how cities grow and change across the World, examining the social, economic, and environmental challenges of urban life in both developed and developing regions.
2. Global Systems and Governance - This unit looks at how countries and organisations are interconnected, focusing on trade, globalisation, and how the world is managed through international cooperation.
3. Geographical Fieldwork - Pupils apply their knowledge through independent field investigations in our local area of Devon and Cornwall through developing key research, data collection, and analytical skills in real-world geographical settings.