Year 1 Geography Curriculum Guide

National Curriculum of England	Hands-On Education Activity
Ge1/1.1a name and locate the world’s 7 continents and 5 oceans	Christopher Columbus Activity 4 Where I Live Activity 1
Ge1/1.1b name, locate and identify characteristics of the 4 countries and capital cities of the United Kingdom and its surrounding seas	Where I Live Activity 1
Ge1/1.2a understand geographical similarities and differences through studying the human and physical geography of a small area of the United Kingdom, and of a small area in a contrasting non-European country	currently not covered
Ge1/1.3a identify seasonal and daily weather patterns in the United Kingdom and the location of hot and cold areas of the world in relation to the Equator and the North and South Poles	Seasons Activity 1, 3, 6, 9
Ge1/1.3b use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to: i. key physical features, including: beach, cliff, coast, forest, hill, mountain, sea, ocean, river, soil, valley, vegetation, season and weather ii. key human features, including: city, town, village, factory, farm, house, office, port, harbour and shop	Where I Live Activity 3, 5
Ge1/1.4a use world maps, atlases and globes to identify the United Kingdom and its countries, as well as the countries, continents and oceans studied at this key stage	Christopher Columbus Activity 1, 4 Where I Live Activity 1
Ge1/1.4b use simple compass directions (North, South, East and West) and locational and directional language to describe the location of features and routes on a map	Christopher Columbus Activity 3, 4 Where I Live Activity 7
Ge1/1.4c use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features; devise a simple map; and use and construct basic symbols in a key	Where I Live Activity 1, 7
Ge1/1.4d use simple fieldwork and observational skills to study the geography of their school and its grounds and the key human and physical features of its surrounding environment	Where I Live Activity 2, 3, 5

National Curriculum of England

Hands-On Education Activity

Ge1/1.1a name and locate the world’s 7 continents and 5 oceans

Ge1/1.1b name, locate and identify characteristics of the 4 countries and capital cities of the United Kingdom and its surrounding seas

Where I Live Activity 1

Ge1/1.2a understand geographical similarities and differences through studying the human and physical geography of a small area of the United Kingdom, and of a small area in a contrasting non-European country

currently not covered

Ge1/1.3a identify seasonal and daily weather patterns in the United Kingdom and the location of hot and cold areas of the world in relation to the Equator and the North and South Poles

Seasons Activity 1, 3, 6, 9

Ge1/1.3b use basic geographical vocabulary to refer to:
i. key physical features, including: beach, cliff, coast, forest, hill, mountain, sea, ocean, river, soil, valley, vegetation, season and weather
ii. key human features, including: city, town, village, factory, farm, house, office, port, harbour and shop

Where I Live Activity 3, 5

Ge1/1.4a use world maps, atlases and globes to identify the United Kingdom and its countries, as well as the countries, continents and oceans studied at this key stage

Ge1/1.4b use simple compass directions (North, South, East and West) and locational and directional language to describe the location of features and routes on a map

Ge1/1.4c use aerial photographs and plan perspectives to recognise landmarks and basic human and physical features; devise a simple map; and use and construct basic symbols in a key

Where I Live Activity 1, 7

Ge1/1.4d use simple fieldwork and observational skills to study the geography of their school and its grounds and the key human and physical features of its surrounding environment

Where I Live Activity 2, 3, 5

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 analyzing 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 analyzing 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.