Geography belongs to everyone, its very relevance is that it is all around us and we operate in it every day of our lives. The more children are able to observe and interpret the physical and human patterns and processes in the environment around them, both locally and globally, the more chance they have of growing into citizens who can recognise and in some measure influence the changes which will take place in that environment. Geography is a practical subject, of relevance now and for the future.

Quality teaching and learning in geography takes place where pupils are able to learn through fieldwork, the use of visual materials, both photographic and videoed, and the use of maps, in addition to written resources. The best use of these materials for learning geography occurs when pupils have to use such resources to pose and answer questions. In other words, they are active learners using resources to assist them to engage in the process of geographical enquiry.

OFSTED inspection reports and county survey observations have highlighted the need to raise the profile and understanding of geographical enquiry and the associated issue of the range of resources. The enquiry units shown here aim to provide both specialist and non-specialist teachers of primary geography with plans, explanations and examples of pupils’ work from classrooms where active enquiry based geography is developing well.