Geography
Our aim at Burlington Junior School is to encourage pupils to develop an appreciation and understanding of the world, initially building a secure physiological and social knowledge of the local community and subsequently developing and applying this to a wider range of regions, countries and continents of the world.
Pupils will be taught to make links between these areas of learning, with the aim of developing engaged, motivated and curious learners that take an interest in the world around them.
Year 3
In Year 3, children begin the autumn term by exploring the UK (building on their previous knowledge in KS1) before expanding their knowledge to Europe, focusing on key settlements and physical features. The term concludes with our geography field work. In the spring, they study volcanoes and earthquakes—a topic that students find particularly exciting. During the summer term, children learn about climate zones, often expressing a preference for Mediterranean climates due to their holiday experiences.
"I loved learning about volcanoes and lava" - Carter, Year 3
"I wouldn't like to live close to the equator because it's too hot" - Evie, Year 3
Year 4
Children in year 4 begin the autumn term by learning about rivers. A field trip to Howsham Mill is during this term - this trip provides the children with the opportunity to see river features at first hand.
The spring term is now time for the children to learn about rainforest. Children learn about the different features and enjoy learning about the amazing animals that have adapted to be able to live there. Children really enjoy learning about different layers of the rainforest. Children then use their knowledge of the rainforest in DT to create a weave based on the rainforest.
During the summer term, children learn about North America. Children learn about the human and physical features of North America. The unit is ended by comparing the city of New York with Bridlington.
"I enjoyed the visit to Howsham Mill and making a water wheel" - Adem, Year 4.
"We loved learning about all of the different animals in the rainforest" - Brody, Year 4.
Year 5
In Year 5, children build on their learning of the physical features of the Earth by learning about mountains. They identify the world's Seven Summits and key UK peaks, before exploring the significance of the Himalayas for local communities. They revisit their learning on volcanoes to discuss the tectonic plates and how movement of these plates creates different types of mountains. In the spring term, we study South America, with a focus on Brazil and the city of Rio de Janeiro. This builds on the learning from Year 4 and creates cross-curricular links with Art. During the summer term, children develop their map skills by locating countries and cities, interpreting symbols using an Ordnance Survey key, and applying their knowledge to plan a journey.
"It was interesting learning the symbols of the Ordanance Survey map" - Dennis, Year 5
"Rio would be an amzing place to visit one day and explore" - Ivy, Year 5
Year 6
In their final year at Burlington Junior School, children begin the autumn term by increasing their knowledge of the local area. They build on their skills in map reading, using maps and 4- and 6-figure grid references to explore and collect data about Bridlington and its surroundings. In the spring term, they explore the UK’s economic activity, including the different sectors, the sustainability of agriculture, and how energy is generated. In the summer term, children study the coast, focusing on how erosion shapes the landscape—an especially relevant topic for those living on the East Yorkshire coast.
"The East Yorskhire Coast is the fastest eroding coast line in England" - Ethan, Year 6.
"Ive really enjoyed learning about farming and local agriculture as we have it all around us" - Amelia, Year 6.
Further information
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Geography 2026 -2027 | [pdf 645KB] |
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Geography Intent | [pdf 120KB] |
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