Geography
We are delighted to announce that our geography curriculum was awarded the Silver Primary Geography Quality Mark. Here are some of the key comments from the assessors:
‘quality learning is supported through providing pupils with appropriate knowledge and evidence.’
‘The rational for teaching Geography is clear – taking into account the school’s local context and cohort.’
‘Effective monitoring helps to drive improvement’
‘Professional development of staff is clearly supported’
At Smithdown Primary School we believe that Geography enables children to make sense of the complex and dynamically changing world that they live in. Our aim is for children to develop a natural curiosity about their immediate surroundings and the wider world, becoming more aware of people, places and environments. Children will be confident using their taught geographical skills to collect and communicate information, including drawing and interpreting maps. They will be taught through engaging, fun Geography lessons and given the opportunity for meaningful learning opportunities and field work.
In Key Stage 1 children will develop their knowledge about the United Kingdom and their own locality. They’ll learn how to use maps, atlases and globes as well as learn simple compass directions. The children will also study seasonal and daily weather patterns in the United Kingdom and look at the hot and cold areas of the world in relation to the equator and the North and South Poles.
In Key Stage 2 the children will look to extend their knowledge to beyond their local area and will study Europe as well as North and South America. They will begin to look at similarities and differences of human geography such as types of settlement and land use. They will also study physical geography elements such as climate zones, rivers, mountains, volcanoes and earthquakes. Children will continue to use maps, atlases and globes and will use the 8 points of the compass in their work. They will start to consider the use of four and six figure grid references and ordinance survey maps.
Progression will be assessed through evaluation of your child’s written work and consideration of their responses and contributions to discussions.
National Curriculum for Geography
Geography Chatter
River Mersey
20-05-2026
We have had a great trip across the River Mersey! We could see the mouth of the river, the raised embankment and the city skyline. What an experience to have and lovely weather.
Earth Day
30-04-2026
For Earth Day we estimated the noise level of some different roads around our school. We then used our data loggers to measure the actual noise level in dB. We spoke about noise pollution and what means for us.
Map Making for The Three Bears
22-04-2026
We created a map of the woods where The Three Bears live this week. We thought about what to include on the map and looked at examples of maps. We then followed the map to the Three Bears’ cottage.
Earth Day: Recycling centre trip
22-04-2026
We had a great visit to the recycling centre today! We learnt all about where our recycling goes and the jobs involved. 
Earth Day
22-04-2026
Year 2 had a great afternoon exploring our local area. We listened to see how loud or quiet it was in different areas. We then placed our findings on our maps of the area.
Happy Earth Day!
22-04-2026
To celebrate Earth day we have been counting the different types of transport around our school and created a tally chart.
Cleaning up our local area.
19-03-2026
Our Eco Warriors gave up some time this week to complete a litter pick in our local area. Well done! 
Where does our food come from?
16-01-2026
Today we used a key and a map to identify where we import food from. We worked in pairs and improved our map skills. 
A Speech To Save The Earth
12-01-2026
With our whole school text, ‘Here We Are’ Year 6 had the task of writing a speech. We combined knowledge gained from our recent Geography topic to help us do just this. We have also been performing them for our class, working on our intonation and expression to gain and retain audience attention.
Seasonal Crafts
17-12-2025
In Reception, we have busy creating our own biscuit dough, making salt dough decorations, Santa socks and reindeer food.
Our amazing WW2 school trip.
11-12-2025
We were blown away with how much the children already knew about WW2 and the impact on Liverpool. They loved seeing the museum and everything in it. Please ask your child about their trip at home. 
Sustainability: Planning and designing a Green City
11-12-2025
As a grand finale to our Geography unit, we worked together to plant and design a Green City. We thought about elements: renewable energy, living walls, cycle lanes, allotments, green spaces ….. to name a few!
Local Area Walk
09-12-2025
1JR have had lots of fun this afternoon on our walk to our local park. We looked at what we could see when looking north, east, south and west. We also looked at how our environment has changed for winter.
Welly Walk 02/12/25
09-12-2025
Y1 PK enjoyed a Welly Walk to Crown Street Park. We investigated what we could see travelling North, East, South and West. We also looked for signs of Autumn and how Autumn was changing into Winter.
Land Use and Settlements
08-12-2025
Year 4 have been loving their geography topic where we have been comparing Liverpool and Rome. Today, we looked at types of ways humans use the land in both Liverpool and Rome and discussed different settlements.
Welly Walk
02-12-2025
Y1 PK went on a Welly Walk to Crown Street Park. We followed directions – North, South, East, West and spotted what we could see. We also looked for signs of Autumn and that Autumn is changing into Winter.
Why are the oceans so important?
11-11-2025
What a lovely piece of work explaining why the oceans are vital to life.
Ways to reduce your carbon footprint…
24-10-2025
We have been finding out about ways in which everyone can reduce their carbon footprint by sometimes, small simple actions which can help our planet.
Messy Maps!
16-10-2025
We made our own messy maps of our tour bus route. We even made our own key to help you to read our maps. Two little superstars went off and made their own maps too.
Field work at Sefton Park
10-10-2025
Yesterday morning, we went for a story, map activity and craft activity at the Palm house. In the afternoon, we followed our map and and completed some fieldwork around Sefton Park. We spotted many human and physical features of the park and added how we felt in each place on our map.
Digimaps
06-10-2025
Today we had a look at our local park on digimaps to find its features. We then planned out a walk that we’re going to complete. 
We loved the open top bus!
02-10-2025
We loved the open top bus tour of Liverpool today as part of our Geography topic. We recognised lots of local landmarks and loved listening to our amazing tour guide too.
Local landmark or not?
25-09-2025
This afternoon in Geography we looked at lots of different landmarks. We decided if we had ever visited any of them before, decided which were in Liverpool and found their location on a map. We can’t wait to see them on the tour bus.
Incredible work!
23-09-2025
WOW! Just look at these posters informing the reader about the Giant Panda !
