Geography | Y1 English Curriculum

National Curriculum of England	Hands-On Education Activity
Ge2/1.1 Locational Knowledge
Ge2/1.1a locate the world’s countries, using maps to focus on Europe (including the location of Russia) and North and South America, concentrating on their environmental regions, key physical and human characteristics, countries, and major cities	Olympics - Activity 3
Ge2/1.1b name and locate counties and cities of the United Kingdom, geographical regions and their identifying human and physical characteristics, key topographical features (including hills, mountains, coasts and rivers), and land-use patterns; and understand how some of these aspects have changed over time
Ge2/1.1c identify the position and significance of latitude, longitude, Equator, Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, Arctic and Antarctic Circle, the Prime/Greenwich Meridian and time zones (including day and night)
Ge2/1.2 Place Knowledge
Ge2/1.2a understand geographical similarities and differences through the study of human and physical geography of a region of the United Kingdom, a region in a European country, and a region in North or South America
Ge2/1.3 Human and Physical Geography
Ge2/1.3a describe and understand key aspects of physical geography, including: climate zones, biomes and vegetation belts, rivers, mountains, volcanoes and earthquakes, and the water cycle	Wonderful Water - Activity 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Ge2/1.3b describe and understand key aspects of human geography, including: types of settlement and land use, economic activity including trade links, and the distribution of natural resources including energy, food, minerals and water
Ge2/1.4 Geographical Skills and Fieldwork
Ge2/1.4a use maps, atlases, globes and digital/computer mapping to locate countries and describe features studied
Ge2/1.4b use the 8 points of a compass, 4 and 6-figure grid references, symbols and key (including the use of Ordnance Survey maps) to build their knowledge of the United Kingdom and the wider world	Forces and Magnets - Activity 5
Ge2/1.4c use fieldwork to observe, measure, record and present the human and physical features in the local area using a range of methods, including sketch maps, plans and graphs, and digital technologies	Building Bridges - Activity 2 Living Things - Activity 1 Wonderful Water - Activity 7

National Curriculum of England

Hands-On Education Activity

Ge2/1.1 Locational Knowledge

Ge2/1.1a locate the world’s countries, using maps to focus on Europe (including the location of Russia) and North and South America, concentrating on their environmental regions, key physical and human characteristics, countries, and major cities

Olympics - Activity 3

Ge2/1.1b name and locate counties and cities of the United Kingdom, geographical regions and their identifying human and physical characteristics, key topographical features (including hills, mountains, coasts and rivers), and land-use patterns; and understand how some of these aspects have changed over time

Ge2/1.1c identify the position and significance of latitude, longitude, Equator, Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, Arctic and Antarctic Circle, the Prime/Greenwich Meridian and time zones (including day and night)

Ge2/1.2 Place Knowledge

Ge2/1.2a understand geographical similarities and differences through the study of human and physical geography of a region of the United Kingdom, a region in a European country, and a region in North or South America

Ge2/1.3 Human and Physical Geography

Ge2/1.3a describe and understand key aspects of physical geography, including: climate zones, biomes and vegetation belts, rivers, mountains, volcanoes and earthquakes, and the water cycle

Wonderful Water - Activity 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Ge2/1.3b describe and understand key aspects of human geography, including: types of settlement and land use, economic activity including trade links, and the distribution of natural resources including energy, food, minerals and water

Ge2/1.4 Geographical Skills and Fieldwork

Ge2/1.4a use maps, atlases, globes and digital/computer mapping to locate countries and describe features studied

Ge2/1.4b use the 8 points of a compass, 4 and 6-figure grid references, symbols and key (including the use of Ordnance Survey maps) to build their knowledge of the United Kingdom and the wider world

Forces and Magnets - Activity 5

Ge2/1.4c use fieldwork to observe, measure, record and present the human and physical features in the local area using a range of methods, including sketch maps, plans and graphs, and digital technologies

What is the Year 1 and Year 2 Geography Curriculum in England?

The Year 1 and Year 2 Geography Curriculum in England is a vital part of the primary national curriculum, aimed at guiding children’s learning in geography during these early years of education. Within the framework of key stage 1 (KS1), children in year 1 and year 2 delve into studying significant places around the world, both on land and under the sea. Through this curriculum, students develop an understanding of key human and physical features of different locations, as well as the geographical processes that shape them.

Furthermore, the curriculum focuses on building knowledge about the processes behind essential physical and human geographical features globally, emphasizing the connections between these features and how they evolve over time. Students are also encouraged to hone their geographical skills, such as collecting and analysing data through fieldwork, interpreting various sources of geographic information like maps and diagrams, and effectively communicating this information through writing and numerical representations.

Overall, the Year 1 and Year 2 Geography Curriculum aims to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the world and its inhabitants among children. By exploring a diverse array of places, people, resources, and environments, this curriculum plays a significant role in nurturing children's understanding of the essential physical and human geographical characteristics of our planet.

What are the aims of the year 1 and year 2 geography curriculum?

The aims of the year 1 and year 2 geography curriculum are focused on developing children's knowledge and understanding of significant places on land and underwater. This includes learning about key human and physical features, as well as the processes that shape these places. Another aim is to help students grasp the interactions between important physical and human geographical features, and how these evolve over time. Additionally, the curriculum seeks to equip students with essential geographical skills such as collecting and analysing data from fieldwork, interpreting various sources of geographical information like maps, diagrams, and globes, and effectively communicating geographical information using diverse formats like numeric data and written descriptions.

What is the purpose of studying the year 1 and year 2 geography curriculum?

The purpose of studying the year 1 and year 2 geography curriculum is to ignite curiosity and interest in children about the world and its inhabitants. This curriculum aims to help children gain knowledge about important physical and human geographical features of the planet. Additionally, it seeks to introduce children to a variety of places, people, resources, and environments, fostering an appreciation for the diversity present on Earth. As children advance through the key stages, the geography curriculum aims to expand their understanding of how Earth's features are formed, connected, and transformed over time. Furthermore, studying geography in these early years enhances children's comprehension of the natural and human processes that contribute to the creation of different landscapes and environments.

How can the year 1 and year 2 geography curriculum be taught at home?

The key stage 1 geography curriculum for year 1 and year 2 students can be effectively taught at home through the use of a parent guide that summarizes the curriculum and provides useful links to relevant resources. Families who are homeschooling or wishing to support their children in key stage 1 geography can download this guide to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered. Additionally, watching educational videos that showcase examples of history and geography lesson packs can provide further insight into the available resources for teaching geography at home.