The 7-Year Journey — Geography Disciplinary Progression

1 Place

Y7

Describe

identify what makes places distinctive using maps, images and data

Y8–9

Explain

why places have their characteristics, using multiple lenses and perspectives

Y10–11

Evaluate

how places are represented, experienced and contested by different groups

Y12–13

Theorise

understand place as a theoretical concept — how place identity is constructed through experience, power and representation

2 Space and Pattern

Y7

Notice

spot distributions and patterns on maps; ask ‘why there?’

Y8–9

Explain

link observable patterns to underlying processes operating at different scales

Y10–11

Apply

use spatial analysis to support arguments; evaluate where generalisations break down

Y12–13

Critique

apply quantitative methods and GIS; understand that seeing a pattern is itself an interpretive choice

3 Scale

Y7

Recognise

that the same issue looks different at local, national and global scales

Y8–9

Analyse

move between scales within a single analysis; the scale changes the explanation

Y10–11

Synthesise

move fluently between scales; evaluate significance of factors at each level

Y12–13

Evaluate

understand scale as an analytical framework — a choice that shapes what you see, what you explain, and what you recommend

4 Connections and Interdependence

Y7

Identify

trace simple connections between places, people and environments

Y8–9

Trace

follow complex chains; recognise feedback, inequality and dilemmas

Y10–11

Analyse

evaluate consequences using systems thinking — inputs, outputs, flows and feedback

Y12–13

Systematise

think in full systems with feedback loops, tipping points, cascading consequences and equilibrium disruption

5 Change

Y7

Describe

what changed, how fast, and begin to explain why

Y8–9

Categorise

distinguish types, pace and turning points of change across place and time

Y10–11

Assess

weigh the extent, significance and equity of change; sustain a judgement

Y12–13

Compare

evaluate trajectories, thresholds and tipping points across different periods, places and systems

6 Physical–Human Interaction

Y7

Understand

that nature and people shape each other in observable ways

Y8–9

Evaluate

think in trade-offs and management; the same process can be hazard or resource

Y10–11

Assess

evaluate management strategies using criteria — cost, sustainability, equity and scale

Y12–13

Integrate

evaluate dynamic physical-human systems across multiple scales; understand this as the central geographical challenge

7 Geographical Enquiry and Evidence

Y7

Follow

use guided methods to collect, present and interpret data

Y8–9

Design

formulate questions, select methods, cross-reference sources and evaluate reliability

Y10–11

Apply

conduct full independent enquiry; analyse unfamiliar data under exam conditions

Y12–13

Construct

design original research with methodological awareness; understand that the method chosen shapes the knowledge produced

8 Geographical Argument and Perspectives

Y7

Claim

support geographical claims with evidence and simple explanation

Y8–9

Construct

build developed paragraphs with multiple factors and counter-arguments

Y10–11

Sustain

construct sustained arguments weighing competing perspectives against explicit criteria

Y12–13

Synthesise

build thesis-driven arguments that engage with contested questions, competing explanations and multiple traditions