The geography topics have been chosen to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum in a way that will build upon their prior knowledge. Pupils will extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom and Europe, North and South America. This will include the location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features. They develop their use of geographical knowledge, understanding and skills to enhance their locational and place knowledge.
Geography Curriculum
Locational knowledge
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
Place knowledge
- 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 within North or South America.
Place knowledge is taught through all units, with focused studies of Greater London (Year 5 Population, Settlement and Changes) Brazil (Year 4) and the French Alps (Year 5 Europe).
Human and physical geography
Describe and understand key aspects of:
- Physical geography, including: climate zones, biomes and vegetation belts, rivers, mountains, volcanoes and earthquakes, and the water cycle.
- 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.
Geographical skills and fieldwork
- Use maps, atlases, globes and digital/computer mapping to locate countries and describe features studied.
- Use the eight points of a compass, four and six-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.
- 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.
- Conducting fieldwork to support topics of study, both in the local area and on residential trips.
Year 3
Week 1
Outcome
- To locate continents, oceans and the equator
Revision
- To identify compass points
Concept
- Location – Examine the continents, oceans and the equator on the globe
Vocabulary
- Continent
- Season
- Country
- Atlantic Ocean
- North Sea
- The English Channel
- The Irish Sea
- Capital
- Cities
- Settlements
- Vegetation
- Harbour
Week 2
Outcome
- To locate the UK in the world and Europe
Revision
- To identify the four seasons
Concept
- Location – Identify the UK on a world map, and the position of the UK within Europe
Vocabulary
- Population
- Landscape
- Relationship
- Natural
- Processes
Week 3
Outcome
- To locate and compare the four nations of the UK and their capital cities
Revision
- To identify hemispheres
Concept
- Location – Identify the four nations of the UK and their capital cities
Vocabulary
- Continents
- Locate
- Europe
Week 4
Outcome
- To know the main landscape features in the UK
Revision
- To identify different types of oceans
Concept
- Landscape – Identify the main features of the UK landscape
Vocabulary
- Countries
- Nation
- Capital city
Week 5
Outcome
- To explain the different features of the UK coastline
Revision
- To identify continents
Concept
- Landscape – Examine the coastline of the UK
Vocabulary
- Landscape
- Mountainous
- Cliffs
- Coast
- Features
Week 6
Outcome
- To analyse how temperature and rainfall vary across the UK
Revision
- To identify countries within different continents
Concept
- Climate – Examine the climate of the UK where we live
Vocabulary
- Temperature
- Rainfall
Week 7
Outcome
- To compare the climate in the UK to other global locations
Revision
- To read a map with a key
Concept
- Climate – Examine the climate in other areas of the world
Vocabulary
- Climate
- Global
- Locations
Week 1
Outcomes
- To describe the different types of farming in the UK.
Revision
- To use simple compass directions (North, South, East, West) and locational and directional language (near, far, left, right)
Concept
- Location – Differentiate between the different types of UK farming
Vocabulary
- Livestock
- Crops
- Dairy
- Organic
Week 2
Outcomes
- To define ‘trade’ and to explore trade items imported to the UK.
Revision
- To be able to use a compass point to relate to where we live in the UK
Concept
- Trade – Understand what trade is and what items the UK imports from other countries
Vocabulary
- Trade
- Import
- Exchange
Week 3
Outcomes
- To describe a range of different settlements in the UK
Revision
- To be able to use a compass to relate where we are in relation to the Thames
Concept
- Settlement – Compare the different features between villages and towns
Vocabulary
- Hamlet
- Village
- Town
- City
Week 4
Outcomes
- To describe the range of streets and houses in the UK
Revision
- To describe where certain countries are on the map using a compass
Concept
- Settlement – Examine the differences in streets and houses in the UK
Vocabulary
- Characteristics
- Community
- Site
- Surroundings
Week 5
Outcomes
- To analyse a range of different maps
Revision
- To use a simple key on a map
Concept
- Location – Explore the uses and features of different maps
Vocabulary
- OS map
- Location
- England
- Central
Week 6
Outcomes
- To describe the structure of the city of London
Revision
- To devise a simple map
Concept
- Settlement – Examine the layout of the city of London
Vocabulary
- Central
- Business district
- Boroughs
- Inner London
- Outer London
- Commuter zone
Week 7
Outcomes
- To recognise the significant landmarks of London and their location
Revision
- To explore Antarctica using Google Earth
Concept
- Location – Locate landmarks across London using a grid map
Vocabulary
- River Thames
- Accessibility
- Industry
- Tourism
Week 1
Outcome
- To analyse the land use in London
Revision
- To explore Antarctica using Google Earth
Concept
- Location
Vocabulary
- River Thames
- Accessibility
- Industry
- Tourism
Week 2
Outcome
- To describe key features of the river Thames
Revision
- To know who can live in Antarctica and what animals live there?
Concept
- Location and landscape
Vocabulary
- Miles
- Tidal
- Shore
- Source
- Mouth
- Port
Week 3
Outcome
- To analyse how people move around London
Revision
- To know what equipment to take on an expedition to Antarctica
Concept
- Location
Vocabulary
- Motorway
- Underground
- Transport for London
- Accessibility
Week 4
Outcome
- To analyse how London may look in the future
Revision
- To remember Antarctica key geographical facts and figures
Concept
- Location
Vocabulary
- Population
- Climate change
- Infrastructure
- Amenities
- Growth
Week 5
Outcome
- Complete Test your Skills questions 5-8
Week 6
Outcome
- To describe the layers of the Earth
Revision
- To locate India on the world map
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Crust
- Magma
- Inner core
- Outer core
- Mantle
Week 1
Outcome
- To describe tectonic plates
Revision
- To name and locate cities in India
Concept
- Location
Vocabulary
- Movement
- Tectonic
- Faults
- Destructive
- Earthquakes
Week 2
Outcome
- To identify the features of volcanoes
Revision
- To describe the climate of India
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Land plate
- Magma
- Chamber
- Vent
- Ash
- Oceanic
- Crust
Week 3
Outcome
- To identify the different shapes of volcanoes and reasons for their formation
Revision
- The know the range of climates in India (regional)
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Explosive
- Stratovolcanoes
- Effusive
- Eruptions
Week 4
Outcome
- To locate regions where volcanic activity occurs
Revision
- To describe the physical features in India
Concept
- Location
Vocabulary
- Plates
- Effusive
- Edges
Week 5
Outcome
- To explain what happens when a volcano erupts
Revision
- To describe the human features in India
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Active
- Ash
- Lava
- Pressure
- Surface
Week 1
Outcome
- To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of living near a volcano
- Case study: Eyjafjallajokull: Life before and after a volcanic eruption
Revision
- To use aerial photographs to recognise landmarks in the world
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Evacuation
- Precaution
- Danger
- Risk
Week 2
Outcome
-
To explain what an earthquake is
Revision
- To name man-made and natural landmarks
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Movement
- Tectonic plates
Week 3
Outcome
-
To describe how to measure earthquakes
Revision
- To identify the different features of the coast
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Shockwaves
- Estimate
- Duration
Week 4
Outcome
-
To explain what happens during an earthquake and the impact this can have on human settlements
Revision
- To identify different landscape features
Concept
- Settlement
Vocabulary
- Tectonic
- Boundary
- Debris
- Fault line
Week 5
Outcome
- To analyse the most active earthquake zone in the world
Case Study: San Andreas Fault
Revision
- To explain the difference between weather and climate
Concept
- Location
Vocabulary
- Epicenter
- Seismic waves
- Seismographs
Week 6
Outcome
- To explain how tsunamis are created and the impact they can have on human settlements
Revision
- To describe how land is used
Geographical substantive concept
- Settlement
Vocabulary
- Landslides
- Upheaval
- Mudslides
- Liquefaction
Week7
Outcome
- Natural Disasters 2 Test Your Skills
Week 1
Outcome
- To describe how humans predict for living in a natural disaster zone
Revision
- To use a world map to identify the seven continents
Concept
- Climate
Vocabulary
- Shallow
- Quake
- Aftershock
- Victims
- Economy
- Geothermal
Week 2
Outcome
- To describe how humans prepare for living in a natural disaster zone
Revision
- To label continents and oceans of the world on a world map
Concept
- Sustainability
Vocabulary
- Vulnerable
- Preparation
- Location
- Population
Week 3
Outcome
- To know how a settlement recover from a natural disaster
Revision
- To discuss the relative size of continents
Concept
- Settlement
Vocabulary
- Settlement
- Recovery
Week 4
Outcome
- Essay: Why are regions which are vulnerable to volcanoes also attractive places to live?
Revision
- To name the four countries in the UK
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Fertile land
- Tourists
- Geothermal
- Benefits
- Tectonic plates
- Minerals
Week 5
Outcome
- Essay: Why are regions which are vulnerable to volcanoes also attractive places to live?
Revision
- To name the capital cities of each country in the UK
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Fertile land
- Tourists
- Geothermal
- Benefits
- Tectonic plates
- Minerals
Week 6
Outcome
- Essay: Why are regions which are vulnerable to volcanoes also attractive places to live?
Revision
- To locate London on a map of the UK
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Fertile land
- Tourists
- Geothermal
- Benefits
- Tectonic plates
- Minerals
Week 7
Outcome
- Test your skills: To assess knowledge and understanding of volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis
Vocabulary
- Vulnerable
- Preparation
- Location
- Population
Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis
Year 3 start with the topic of Volcanoes which builds upon children’s prior knowledge of continents. Children are able to consolidate their knowledge of the names of oceans and continents and their broad understanding (from KS1) of the similarities and differences between global regions.
In contrast to KS1, the Volcanoes topic gives children the opportunity to see natural process within Geography as active and to begin to apply analysis of the effect that would have on human population settlements.
Children build upon their ability to present information using maps and diagrams as appropriate through mapping the location of volcanoes but also describing the processes at work in an individual volcano.
United Kingdom
Building upon the children’s prior knowledge from KS1, the Spring term topic is the United Kingdom. This topic gives children the ability to consolidate their understanding of key Geographical vocabulary such as: beach, cliff, coast, forest hill, mountain, sea and river but to extend their learning by having a greater emphasis on the differences between human and physical geography and how the two interact.
During this topic, children will learn about each of the constituent nations of the UK, their capital cities and the other large cities of the UK. They will also cover the physical features that make each nation of the UK unique from the Scottish Cairngorms to Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway from the Welsh Valley to England’s fens. They are also introduced to the key concepts of Longitude and Latitude which help children to explain differences in climate and time zones between places around the world and the UK. Children consider the popularity of, and analyse the impact of tourism on the UK.
Land Use
During the summer, children will investigate the ways in which humans have made use of the land. They will start by contrasting urban and rural settlements and explore the concept of a wilderness. Building upon what they have learnt about the formation of mountains and valleys in their Autumn topic, they will consider why certain areas of the UK are higher above sea level than others. They will consider how the relief of the land and its geology makes it suitable for different human purposes. They will contrast regions of the UK with pertinent examples from across the world.
Geographical Concepts
Climate
The weather conditions found in a certain place over a long time.
Settlement
The place where people live and sometimes work.
Sustainability
Taking care of the Earth by making good choices so it stays healthy.
Location
Where something is placed on Earth.
Landscape
An area of land that can be seen at one time.
Trade
The buying and selling of goods and services between countries.
Textbooks
Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis
United Kingdom
Land Use
Year 4
Week 1
Outcome
- To define the term biome
Revision
- To define what a continent is and identify the different continents
Concept
- Climate – We will learn about how biomes are around the world have different characteristics such as climate
Vocabulary
- Ecosystem
- Habitat
- Adaptation
- Grassland
- Savannah
- Climate
- Landscape
- Temperate
- Taiga
- Tundra
- Tropical
- Polar
Week 2
Outcome
- To know and identify the different types of forest
Revision
- To define the terms human and physical geography
Concept
- Landscape – We will be examining the different features of various forests, as well as their location and climate
Vocabulary
- Taiga
- Temperate
- Rainforest
- Climate
- Deciduous trees
- Seasons
- Evergreen trees
- Adaptation
Week 3
Outcome
- To plan an investigation in our local forest area
- Fieldwork: Learning about the types of trees in the UK and the local area
Revision
- To identify and describe the layers of the Earth
Concept
- Landscape – We will observe and identify characteristics of our local forest area including landscape
Vocabulary
- Temperate
- Deciduous
- Latitude
- Fieldwork
- Observe
- Data
- Investigation
- Biodiversity
Week 4
Outcome
- Fieldwork: To investigate our local forest area within the school site
- Investigating the landscape over time (what used to be there) man-made vs natural
- Tree identification
Revision
- To identify the features of a volcano
Concept
- Landscape – We will be creating a piece of writing that summarises the landscape of our local forest area
Vocabulary
- Temperate
- Deciduous
- Latitude
- Fieldwork
- Observe
- Data
- Investigation
- Biodiversity
Week 5
Outcome
- To know and understand the features of a rainforest
Revision
- To describe the formation of different volcano types
Concept
- Landscape – We will be exploring the features of a rainforest and examining the different layers
Vocabulary
- Equator
- Tropical
- Amazon
- Congo Basin
- Southeast Asia
- Emergent
- Canopy
- Understory
- Forest floor
Week 6
Outcome
- To compare the climate and rainfall of tropical and temperate rainforests
Revision
- To locate regions where volcanic activity occurs
Concept
- Climate – We will be researching the differences in the climates of both tropical rainforests and temperate rainforests
Vocabulary
- Temperate
- Precipitation
- Tropical
- Climate
- Compare
- Temperature
- Humid
- Equator
Week 1
Outcome
- To know and compare grasslands and savannahs
Revision
- To recall the characteristics of people who live in each continent (climate, population density)
Concept
- Landscape – We will be looking at where grasslands and savannahs are located. Specifically, we will look at Serengeti which has both a grassland and savannah!
Vocabulary
- Biomes
- Adaptation
- Temperature
- Rainfall
- Serengeti
- Migration
- Umbrella thorn
Week 2
Outcome
- To know and compare the climate and landscape of deserts, tundra and ice biomes
Revision
- To explain what an earthquake is
Concept
- Climate – We will be looking at how the climate between deserts, tundra and ice biomes are similar or different.
Vocabulary
- Oasis
- Dune
- Permafrost
- Tundra
- Ice biome
- Rainfall
- Desert
Week 3
Outcome
- To compare The Sahara Desert and Antarctica
Revision
- To describe tectonic plates and San Andreas Fault
Concept
- Landscape – We will be comparing the similarities and differences of the Sahara Desert and Antarctica
Vocabulary
- Mountains
- Equator
- Tropical
- Streamlined
- Sandstorm
- Tundra
Week 4
Outcome
- To know and compare the three types of ocean
Revision
- To describe how earthquakes can be measured
Concept
- Location – We will be learning about where polar, temperate and tropical ocean are located
Vocabulary
- Polar
- Temperate
- Tropical
- Current
- Gravitational pull
Week 5
Outcome
- To identify and examine the Great Barrier Reef and the issues it and other coral reefs faces
Revision
- To explain what happens during an earthquake
Concept
- Sustainability – We will learn about threats to the great barrier reef and reflect on what that means for the environment
Vocabulary
- Coral reefs
- Water pollution
- Overfishing
- Acidity
- Coral atoll
- Algae
Week 6
Outcome
- To identify what freshwater biomes include and where they can be found
Revision
- To explain what a tsunami is and the affect they have on settlements
Concept
- Location – We will learn about the differences between rivers and lakes and identify plants and animals of freshwater biomes
Vocabulary
- River
- Lake
- Source
- Banks
- River Nile
- Tributaries
- Delta
Week 7
Outcome
- To assess knowledge and understanding of biomes
- Test your skills
Revision
- To describe how humans have adapted to live in zones with natural disaster
Week 1
Outcome
- To name and locate North and South America and the countries within them
Revision
- To explain how people predict natural disasters
Concept
- Location
Vocabulary
- Continent
- Region
- Shoreline
- Greenland
- Caribbean
- States
Week 2
Outcome
- To identify the position and significance of latitude relating to climates and biomes
Revision
- To examine a volcano case study
Concept
- Climate
Vocabulary
- Latitude
- Longitude
- Equator
- Climate
- Tropic of Cancer
- Tropic of Capricorn
- Arctic Circle
- Antarctic Circle
Week 3
Outcome
- To describe the biomes and climates of different regions across the Americas
Revision
- To discuss the disadvantages of living near a volcano
Concept
- Climate
Vocabulary
- Northern hemisphere
- Equator
- Humid
- Tropical
- Subarctic
- Temperature
Week 4
Outcome
- To know and recognise some of the natural landscapes and landmarks of North America
Revision
- To discuss the advantages of living near a volcano
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Rocky Mountains
- Niagara Falls
- The Grand Canyon
- Popocatepetl
- Aerial view
Week 5
Outcome
- To recognise some of the natural landscapes and landmarks of Central America
Revision
- To explain what a tsunami is and the effect they have on human settlements
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Lacandon
- Chihuahuan
- The Great Black Hole
- Landscape
Week 6
Outcome
- To recognise some of the natural landscapes and landmarks of South America
Revision
- To examine why certain places are more desirable to live
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Andes
- Salar de Uyuni
- Angel Falls
- Iguazu Falls
- Laguna Colorada
Week 1
Outcome
- To compare a natural landscape in the Americas (Andes Mountains) to one in the UK (The Peak District)
Revision
- To locate the UK in the world and in Europe
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Andean Nation
- Peruvian Andes
- Climate
- Terrain
- Urban
- Rural
- Lima
- Mining
Week 2
Outcome
- To compare some types of settlements in the Americas
Revision
- To locate and compare the four nations of the UK and compare their capital cities
Concept
- Settlement
Vocabulary
- Population
- Indigenous
- Settlement
- Remote
- Industrial development
- Shanty town
Week 3
Outcome
- To recognise man-made landmarks of North America
Revision
- To examine past settlements in the UK
Concept
- Location
Vocabulary
- Mount Rushmore
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Statue of Liberty
- El Castillo
- Architecture
Week 4
Outcome
- To recognise man-made landmarks of South America
Revision
- To compare the key differences between houses, villages, towns and cities
Concept
- Location
Vocabulary
- Architecture
- Historic sites
- Buildings
- Machu Picchu
- Nazca Lines
- Cueva de las Manos
Week 5
Outcome
- Essay: To compare and contrast the landscapes and landmarks of North and South America (both natural and man-made)
Concept
- Landscape
Week 1
Outcome
- Essay: To compare and contrast the landscapes and landmarks of North and South America (both natural and man-made)
Week 2
Outcome
- Essay: To compare and contrast the landscapes and landmarks of North and South America (both natural and man-made)
Week 3
Outcome
- To discuss and compare the economic activity between North and South America
Revision
- To explain how major urban areas are connected by road and rail
Concept
- Trade
Vocabulary
- Industry
- Agriculture
- Hi-tech
- Tourism
- Mining
Week 4
Outcome
- To recognise and compare culture in North and South America
Revision
- To define the terms immigration, emigration, migration and internal migration
Concept
- Settlement
Vocabulary
- Religion
- Carnival
- Influence
- Indigenous
- Settler
- Hip hop
Week 5
Outcome
- To identify and locate the major cities within Brazil
Revision
- To explain what the coast of the UK is like
Concept
- Location
Vocabulary
- Grid
- Reference
- Coordinate
- Easting
- Northing
Week 6
Outcome
- To identify the natural landmarks of Brazil
Revision
- To describe the weather in the UK and compare to other global locations
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Waterfall
- Subtropical
- Cascade
- Wetland
- Swamp
Week 7
Outcome
- To identify man-made landmarks of Brazil
Revision
- To examine the physical landscape of the UK
Concept
- Settlement
Vocabulary
- Architect
- Construct
- Modern
- Submerge
- Sculptor
Week 1
Outcome
- To examine the different climates in Brazil
Revision
- To compare the physical landscape of the UK Brazil
Concept
- Climate
Vocabulary
- Comparison
- Climate
- Temperature
- Landscape
Week 2
Outcome
- To describe the land-use in Brazil and how it has changed over time
Revision
- To examine the weather in the UK
Concept
- Land use
Vocabulary
- Fertile
- Pull
- Factor
- Push
- Factor
- Urban
- Rural
- Natural
- Hazards
Week 3
Outcome
- To describe the lives of people across different parts of Brazil (Comparing the lives of the rich and poor in Rio)
Revision
- To examine the distribution of people in the UK
Concept
- Settlement – Analysing the types of settlements in different parts of Brazil – especially in Rio – will provide key insights into the wealth living conditions and infrastructure development. This concept directly addresses the social and economic differences between the rich and poor.
Vocabulary
- Poverty
- Line
- Favela
- Essential
- Resources
Week 4
Outcome
- To describe the lives of the indigenous people living in the Amazon rainforest and the threats they may face
Revision
- To discuss why people may move to the UK
Concept
- Sustainability – Understanding sustainability is important in highlighting both the resilience and vulnerability of indigenous communities with threats such as deforestation, climate change and resource exploitation.
Vocabulary
- Migration
- Amazon
- Threat
- Indigenous
- Awa
- T=tribe
Week 5
Outcome
- To know the main economic activities in Brazil
Revision
- To locate and describe the country of Brazil
Concept
- Trade
Vocabulary
- Primary
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Trade
- Unemployment
Week 6
Outcome
- To compare the lifestyle and cultures in Brazil to the UK
Concept
- Location – Children will need to understand the position of both countries as well as the cultures such as cuisine and traditions.
Vocabulary
- Population
- Diverse
- Culture
- Religions
Week 7
Outcome
- To assess knowledge and understanding of Brazil
- Test Your Skills
Revision
- To address misconceptions from assessment
Comparing and Contrasting The Americas
The National Curriculum requires that children learn about a region of the Americas. Building upon the knowledge of longitude and latitude that they gained in Year 3, children in Year 4 develop this to include an understanding of the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn.
Year 4 begin by exploring the two continents that comprise the Americas. Building upon their prior knowledge in Year 3 about longitude and latitude, they compare the many varied climate zones of the twin continents.
The differences between human and physical geography are once again explored. The children use an exploration of Natural features that have been used to form human boundaries such as Niagra Falls to contrast the difference between human and physical and how this information is displayed on maps showing the relief of the land and a political map.
Brazil
Studying Brazil, gives children an opportunity to learn about a country with different human and physical features compared to their previous learning of the UK and Europe. In particular, children consider the existence of favelas and touch upon the push and pull factors that lead to urbanisation and internal migration. They can link this to the competing priorities of rainforest stakeholders from the previous topics.
Children are encouraged to question their preconceptions regarding the wealth of countries and their citizens and to use data to support their understanding.
Biomes – Rainforest
Ending the year with a topic on Rainforests, children will learn of the global significance of the Amazonian region and the importance of rainforest regions across the globe. Children understand the competing priorities of different stakeholders in the Amazonian region. For example, the competing demands of indigenous hunter gatherer societies, the logging industry, the mining industry, tourists and other local both rural and urban. They will consider and debate the merits of ‘development’ and ‘conservation’.
As with volcanoes, they are able to use diagrams to explain the structure of the layers of a tropical rainforest and maps to identify regions with rainforests. They will use globes to explore the link between latitude, climate and the location of rainforests.
Geographical Concepts
Climate
The weather conditions found in a certain place over a long time.
Settlement
A location where people choose to live and, often, work. It can include homes, schools, and shops.
Sustainability
Taking care of the Earth by making good choices so it stays healthy. We can do this by using things like paper and water wisely and not hurting the environment.
Location
The position of a place on the Earth’s surface.
Landscape
A part of Earth’s surface that can be viewed at one time from one place.
Trade
The buying and selling of goods and services between countries.
Textbooks
Comparing and Contrasting the Americas
Brazil
Biomes — Rainforest
Year 5
Week 1
Outcome
- To know the water cycle and its features
Revision
- To locate the countries of North and South America
Concept
- Landscape – Examine how the water cycle is influenced by – and influences – the landscape
Vocabulary
- Evaporation
- Condensation
- Precipitation
- Accumulation
- Infiltration
Week 2
Outcome
- To explain the process of evaporation
Revision
- To recognise key characteristics of the biomes of the Americas
Concept
- Landscape – Examine the evaporation stage of the water cycle
Vocabulary
- Vapour
- Invisible
- Precipitation
- Atmosphere
- Temperature
- Humidity
Week 3
Outcome
- To explain the process of transpiration
Revision
- To relate latitude as a key factor affecting climate and biomes
Concept
- Landscape – Examine the transpiration process and link this to the Amazon rainforest
Vocabulary
- Weather
- Transpiration
- Roots
- Stem
- Leaves
- Amazon
- Rainforest
- Humidity
Week 4
Outcome
- To explain the process of condensation
Revision
- To compare coasts of UK and the Americas
Concept
- Landscape – Examine the condensation stage of the water cycle
Vocabulary
- Water vapour
- Transpires
- Condenses
- Atmosphere
- Cloud
- Nuclei
- Droplets
- Saturation
- Contrails
Week 5
Outcome
- To explain the process of precipitation
Revision
- To identify features of some of the natural landmarks of North America
Concept
- Landscape – Examine the precipitation stage of the water cycle and consider how this varies around the world
Vocabulary
- Water vapour
- Rain
- Hail
- Snow
- Sleet
- Climate
Week 6
Outcome
- To discuss the process of accumulation and river basin
Revision
- To recognise some of the natural landmarks and landscapes of Central America
Concept
- Landscape – Examine the final stage of the water cycle, accumulation, and look at where water gathers
Vocabulary
- Precipitation
- Water store
- Infiltration
- Interception
- Surface runoff
- Flooding
Week 7
Outcome
- To examine where water is stored and how humans are influenced by the water cycle
Revision
- To recognise some of the natural landmarks and landscapes of Central America
Concept
- Sustainability – Examine the different ways humans use water and consider how they may be hard to sustain
Vocabulary
- Fresh water
- Salt water
- Surface water
- Glacier
- Ocean
- Water stores
- Ice caps
Week 1
Outcome
- To interpret and locate the River Roding and its environment
- Using OS maps and recognising places on maps at different scales
Week 2
Outcome
- To describe the structure of a river
Revision
- To recognise some of the natural landmarks and landscapes of South America
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Source
- Mouth
- Upper course
- Middle course
- Lower course
- Tributaries
Week 3
Outcome
- To explore the process of erosion
Revision
- To compare and contrast the physical geography of North and South America
Concept
- Landscape – Exploring how rivers can erode and carve out different landscapes such as valleys, gorges and meanders
Vocabulary
- Gorges
- Floodplains
- Meanders
- Valleys
- Erosion
- Landscapes
Week 4
Outcome
- To describe a range of river formations
Revision
- To recognise man made landmarks of North America
Concept
- Landscape – Revisiting features such as meanders and gorges, but also exploring how else a river can shape its surrounding landscape
Vocabulary
- Waterfalls
- Oxbow lake
- Meander
- Gorges
- Estuaries
- Deltas
Week 5
Outcome
- To identify and examine the different features of coast
- Analyse evidence and draw conclusions using photos and maps
Revision
- To recognise man made landmarks of South America
Concept
- Location
Vocabulary
- Coastal erosion
- Longshore drift
- Protection
Week 6
Outcome
- To understand how coasts are changed through coastal erosion
Revision
- To discuss economic activity in North America
Concept
- Landscape – Revisit erosion and look at how coasts change their shape and size over time
Vocabulary
- Erosion
- Bays
- Headlands
- Longshore drift
- Boulder
- Clay
Week 7
Outcome
- To examine how flooding affects humans and the environment
Revision
- To assess knowledge and understanding of rivers and coasts
Concept
- Sustainability – Look at different types of floods and how they affect the world we live in. Then next week, we will compare different types of flood defences
Vocabulary
- Flash floods
- Upstream
- Barriers
- Sediment
Week 1
Outcome
- To compare and contrast a range of river flood defences
Revision
- To discuss misconceptions in rivers and coasts assessment
Concept
- Sustainability
Vocabulary
- Formation
- Inlet
- Bay
- Cliffs
- Sediment
Week 2
Outcome
- To understand the concept of population and settlement
Revision
- To discuss economic activity in South America
Concept
- Settlement
Vocabulary
- Continent
- Density
- Rural
- Urban
- Distribution
- Isolated houses
- Hamlet
- Village
- Town
- City
Week 3
Outcome
- To define the term population and explain how it changes
Revision
- To compare and contrast sport, culture, food and drink of North America and South America
Concept
- Settlement
Vocabulary
- Expectancy
- Births
- Deaths
- Population
Week 4
Outcome
- To analyse population structure using population pyramids
- Record evidence unaided, analyse evidence and draw conclusions
Revision
- To compare and contrast sport, culture, food and drink of North America and South America
Concept
- Settlement
Vocabulary
- Middle-age
- Balance
- Birth rate
- Millions
Week 5
Outcome
- To compare the demographics of different countries
- Record evidence unaided, analyse evidence and draw conclusions
Revision
- To identify the main physical features of Brazil and three major cities
Concept
- Settlement
- Location
Vocabulary
- Lifestyle
- Comparison
- Wealth
- Population
- Demographics
Week 6
Outcome
- To know the term migration and explain reasons for migration to the UK (London)
Revision
- To know the geographical regions of Brazil and six major ecosystems in Brazil
Concept
- Settlement
- Location
Vocabulary
- Migration
- Lifestyle
- Demographic
- Urban
- Opportunities
- Push and pull factors
Week 1
Outcome
- To record information about the population of my class
- To use fieldwork to observe, measure, record and present the human features in the local area
Concept
- Location
Revision
- To identify the natural landmarks of Brazil
Vocabulary
- Imports
- Exports
- Resources
- Distribution
- Trade
Week 2
Outcome
- To identify the distribution of resources across the world
- To select a map for a specific purpose
Concept
- To identify the distribution of resources across the world
- To select a map for a specific purpose
Revision
- To describe the main push/pull factors in land use in Brazil
Vocabulary
- Resources
- Distribution
- Farming
- Supply
- Demand
Week 3
Outcome
- To identify a range of settlements
Concept
- To identify a range of settlements
Revision
- To compare the lives of different people in different areas of Rio De Janeiro
Vocabulary
- Early settlements
- Safety
- Defence
- Transport
- Resources
- Centre
- Density
- Limits
- Efficient
- Linear
Week 4
Outcome
- To compare and contrast a range of settlement layouts
- To analyse evidence and draw comparisons (photos and map work)
Concept
- To compare and contrast a range of settlement layouts
- To analyse evidence and draw comparisons (photos and map work)
Revision
- To compare the similarities and differences between the lives of the indigenous people and other people living in Brazil
Vocabulary
- Rural
- Gentrification
- Regeneration
- Urban
- Inhabitants
Week 5
Outcome
- To discuss the settlement of London as the capital city of England
Concept
- To discuss the settlement of London as the capital city of England
Revision
- To describe the threats facing the indigenous people of Brazil
Vocabulary
- London
- Tourists
- Economy
- Industry
- Sectors
- Trade
Week 1
Outcome
- To analyse how settlements change over time
- Population and settlement – Focus on London
Concept
- Settlement
Revision
- To examine and evaluate
- Brazilian climate data
Vocabulary
- Population
- Density
- Distribution
Week 2
Outcome
- To assess knowledge and understanding of population and settlement
- Test Your Skills
Week 3
Outcome
- To describe the three main climates of Europe
Concept
- Climate
Revision
- To define the term biome
Vocabulary
- Europe
- Landscape
- Mediterranean
- Polar
- Temperate
Week 4
Outcome
- To identify the countries of Southern Europe
Revision
- To know that there are different types of forest (boreal/taiga, deciduous, temperate rainforest and tropical rainforest)
Concept
- Location
Vocabulary
- Europe
- Southern
- Ocean
- Peninsula
- Mediterranean
- Coastline
- tourism
- Adriatic
Week 5
Outcome
- To identify the physical features of Southern Europe
Concept
- Landscape
Revision
- To describe the location of the three largest rainforests in the world
Vocabulary
- Europe
- Southern
- Valleys
- Mountains
- Plateau
- Coastline
- Volcanoes
- Alps
Week 1
Outcome
- To identify human features of Eastern Europe
Concept
- Landscape/trade
Revision
- To compare grasslands and savannahs of the Serengeti
Vocabulary
- Cities
- Communication
- Population
- Economy
- Trade
- Castles
- Monuments
- Cathedral
Week 2
Outcome
- To identify physical features of Eastern Europe
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Mountain range
- Delta
- Biodiversity
- Valley
- Plain
- Wetland
Revision
- To describe the climate and landscape of deserts, tundra and ice biomes
Week 3
Outcome
- This will be a planning lesson
- Essay: How are Eastern Europe and Southern Europe similar and different in terms of their physical and human features?
Concept
- Landscape
Revision
- To describe the climate and landscape of deserts, tundra and ice biomes
Vocabulary
- Human
- Physical
- Tourism
- Landmarks
- Population
- Continent
- Comparison
- Features
Week 4
Outcome
- Essay: How are Eastern Europe and Southern Europe similar and different in terms of their physical and human features?
Revision
- To compare and contrast The Sahara Desert and Antarctica
Concept
- Landscape
Vocabulary
- Human
- Physical
- Tourism
- Landmarks
- Population
- Continent
- Comparison
- Features
Week 5
Outcome
- Essay: How are Eastern Europe and Southern Europe similar and different in terms of their physical and human features?
Concept
- Landscape
Revision
- To be able to identify polar, temperate and tropical oceans
Vocabulary
- Human
- Physical
- Tourism
- Landmarks
- Population
- Continent
- Comparison
- Features
Week 6
Outcome
- To compare the characteristics of Eastern Europe to that of my own area
Concept
- Location
Revision
- To compare Brazil to a country in Europe
Vocabulary
- Ordinance
- Survey
- Key
- Symbols
- Navigate
Week 7
Outcome
- To create and use a map to navigate around a place in Europe
- To draw a sketch map using symbols and a key
Concept
- Location
Revision
- To define urbanisation
Vocabulary
- Human
- Physical features
- Location
- Landscape
- Population
Rivers and the Water Cycle
Year 5 start with the topic of rivers which builds upon children’s prior knowledge of physical features. Children will be able to draw upon their knowledge of the Amazon from Year 4. In keeping with their previous focus in Year 4 on the Americas, children undertake a case study of the Mississippi river which enables them to analytically write at length.
Children build upon their ability to present information in the most appropriate way using maps and diagrams as appropriate through mapping the location of key rivers in the UK but also describing the process at work in a river from the three courses to, erosion and waterfalls, to the formation of ox-bow lakes.
The river topic also gives children the ability to consolidate their understanding of key geographical vocabulary from Key Stage 1 in addition to Lower Key Stage 2 such as: longitude, latitude, equator, climate and the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. During this topic children learn the names of key UK rivers.
Population and Settlement
The topic of population and settlement with a case study of London also includes the River Thames as an important artery in our nation’s capital.
Children progress from presenting geographical information using maps and diagrams to presenting data, specifically data relating to air pollution. Children build upon their prior learning of the push and pull factors which influence migration. They expand their knowledge of the human geographical characteristics of an area to encompass economic and social factors.
Europe
Building on their Year 3 learning about the UK, children will learn more about the continent to which the UK belongs. They will appreciate the difference between the meaning of ‘Europe’ when used to refer to a continent through the lens of physical geography and the human, political concept of Europe and the EU.
The children will explore the different climate regions – building upon their work on latitude from Year 4.
They will explore the uncertainty over Europe’s eastern border by looking at countries which straddle continents: Turkey and Russia. They will encounter new terminology such as exclave, enclave and colony to explore such regions as Gibraltar, Kaliningrad, the Vatican City, the Canary Islands and Reunion. Appreciating the relationship that Europe has with its mediterranean neighbours in North Africa and the Middle East, they will explore how waterways are so often the key to trade.
Building upon the work they have done with Equaliteach, they will look at how conflict, and economic and environmental disparities between Europe and its neighbours drives often treacherous immigration to Europe.
Geographical Concepts
Climate
The average weather pattern of a specific location over many years. This includes the temperature, humidity, wind and precipitation.
Settlement
A location where people choose to live and, often, work. It can include homes, schools, shops, offices, farming the land and running businesses.
Sustainability
Making informed choices to keep the Earth healthy for a long time by using resources efficiently, reducing waste and not harming the environment.
Location
Where a place is situated on the Earth’s surface. It involves understanding directions and using maps to pinpoint where places are in relation to each other.
Landscape
The visible features of an area of land, containing both natural and man-made features.
Trade
Exchanging goods and services internationally, where countries engage in buying and selling to meet their needs.
Textbooks
Rivers and the Water Cycle
Population and Settlement with a London Case Study
Europe
Year 6
Week 1
Outcome
- To explain what is meant by trade
Revision
- To label the water cycle and its features
Concept
- Trade – Understand what it means to trade something by importing or exporting and differentiate between three different types of trade
Vocabulary
- Import
- Export
- Commodity
- Local
- National
- Global
Week 2
Outcome
- To recall the UK’s top exports
Revision
- To understand the process of evaporation and transpiration
Concept
- Location – Examine where in the UK goods are exported from
Vocabulary
- Export
- Physical
- Human
- Materials surplus
- Sectors
- Commodity
Week 3
Outcome
- To recall the UK’s top imports
Revision
- To understand the process of condensation and precipitation
Concept
- Location – Examine which countries the UK receives imports from
Vocabulary
- Grown
- Manufacture
- Overseas
- Materials
- Import
Week 4
Outcome
- To compare the imports and exports in the UK
Revision
- To understand the process of accumulation and river basin
Concept
- Trade – Understand the balance of trade and what is meant by trade surplus/deficit
Vocabulary
- Plotting
- Value
- Trade
- Deficit
- Surplus
Week 5
Outcome
- To identify the UK’s top trading partners
- To use map work to identify countries and trade routes
Revision
- To examine where water is stored and what it is used for
Concept
- Trade – Examine the different countries that the UK trades with
Vocabulary
- Trade route
- Location
- Products
- Exchange
Week 6
Outcome
- To evaluate the benefits of the global food trade
Revision
- To explain how humans influence and are influenced by the water cycle
Concept
- Trade – Examine the global food trade and compare the advantages and disadvantaged
Vocabulary
- Atlas
- Export
- Variety
- Choice
- Economy
Week 7
Outcome
- To assess knowledge and understanding of trade
- Test Your Skills
Week 1
Outcome
- To analyse the stages of the Global Supply Chain
Concept
- Trade – Understand the impact globalisation on trade
Revision
- To identify different forms of river erosion
Vocabulary
- Supply
- Manufacturing
- Distribution
- Consumption
- Demand
- Globalisation
Week 2
Outcome
- To define ‘Fair Trade’ and explain why it is a necessity
Concept
- Trade – Understand what fair trade means and examine the impact on LEDC
Revision
- To describe a range of river formations
Vocabulary
- MEDC
- LEDC
- Globalisation
- Equality
- Fair-trade
- Foundation
Week 3
Outcome
- Case study: To explain how trade has changed throughout history
Concept
- Trade – Examine the changes in trade from the Stone Age to the 17th century
Revision
- To identify and examine the different types of coast
Vocabulary
- Palaeolithic
- Nomadic
- Merchant
- Mesolithic
- Neolithic
- Agriculture
Week 4
Outcome
- Case study: To explain how trade has changed throughout history
- To assess knowledge and understanding of trade
- Test Your Skills
Revision
- To understand how coasts are changed by coastal erosion
Vocabulary
- Manufacturing
- Technology
- Communication
- Transport
Concept
- Trade – Examine the changes in trade from the 17th century to present day and differentiate between historical time periods modern day
Week 5
Outcome
- Essay: How has technology changed trade over time?
Concept
- Trade
Week 6
Outcome
- Essay: How has technology changed trade over time?
Concept
- Trade
Week 7
Outcome
- Essay: How has technology changed trade over time?
Concept
- Trade
Week 1
Outcome
- To identify the major mountain ranges on earth
Concept
- Landscape
Revision
- To understand the concept of population and settlement
Vocabulary
- Summit
- Peak
- Base
- Sea level
Week 2
Outcome
- To compare the location of mountains across the world
Concept
- Location
Revision
- To define the term population and explain how it changes
Vocabulary
- Everest
- Mont Blanc
- Plates
- Boundary
Week 3
Outcome
- To explain the formation of mountains
Concept
- Landscape
Revision
- To analyse population structure using population pyramids
Vocabulary
- Plates
- Crust
- Convection currents
- Movement
Week 4
Outcome
- To recall the features of different types of mountains
Concept
- Landscape
Revision
- To consider the different ways of living between countries
Vocabulary
- Volcanic
- Hotspots
- Plates
- Extinct
- Collision
- Altiplano
- Basins
Week 5
Outcome
- To analyse how mountains change over time
Concept
- Landscape
Revision
- To know the term migration and explain reasons for migration to the UK (London)
Vocabulary
- Water
- Erosion
- Temperature
- Glaciers
- Landslides
- Caves
Week 6
Outcome
- To identify and compare mountains in Europe
Concept
- Location
Revision
- To identify the distribution of resources across the world
Vocabulary
- Europe
- Mont Blanc
- Matterhorn
- Ben Nevis
Week 1
Outcome
- To compare the climates of mountains
Vocabulary
- Peaks
- Shadows
- Seasons
- Oxygen
- Survival
Revision
- To identify a range of settlements
Concept
- Climate
Week 2
Outcome
- To compare the Biomes of mountains
Vocabulary
- Biome
- Height
- Tundra
- Taiga
- Temperate
- Grassland
- Conditions
- Adaptions
Revision
- To compare and contrast a range of settlement layouts
Concept
- Climate
Week 3
Outcome
- To explain what life is like for those living in a mountain
Vocabulary
- Conditions
- Altitude
- Activities
- Exploration
- Threats
Revision
To analyse how settlements change over time
Concept
Settlement
Week 4
Outcome
- To identify resources produced from mountainous areas
Vocabulary
- Construction
- Marble
- Granite
- Mining
- Unstable
- Economy
Revision
To describe the three main climates of Europe
Concept
Trade
Week 5
Outcome
- Test your skills: To assess knowledge and understanding of mountains
Vocabulary
- Formation
- Location
- Climate
- Biome
Revision
- To identify the countries of Western Europe and Northern Europe
Week 1
Outcome
- To recognise there a different types of natural resources and how they are processed
Vocabulary
- Income
- Extracted
- Processing
- Export
Revision
- To identify the countries of Eastern Europe
Concept
- Trade
Week 2
Outcome
- To explain the purpose of mining
Vocabulary
- Construction
- Surface mining
- Underground
- Processing
- Environment
Revision
- To identify the countries of Central Europe
Concept
- Location
Week 3
Outcome
- To understand ways that wood and trees are used as a natural resource
Vocabulary
- Processing
- Deforestation
- Replanting
- Biodiversity
- Carbon dioxide
Revision
- To identify the countries of Southern Europe
Concept
- Sustainability
Week 4
Outcome
- To recognise water as a natural resource
Vocabulary
- Household
- Agriculture
- Income
- Drought
- Reduction
- Access
Revision
- To describe the physical characteristics found in Europe
Concept
- Sustainability
Week 5
SATs week
Week 6
Outcome
- To understand how food is used as a natural resource
Vocabulary
- Hunter-gatherers
- Livestock
- Grains
- Import
- Export
- Quality sharing
Revision
- To describe the human characteristics found in Europe
Concept
- Sustainability
Week 1
Outcome
- To understand issues around fishing
Vocabulary
- Species
- Overfishing
- Population
- Consequences
- Solutions
Revision
- To identify European landmarks that encourage tourists
Concept
- Sustainability
Week 2
Outcome
- To describe the purpose and extraction of fossil fuels
Vocabulary
- Fossil fuels
- Extraction
Revision
- To compare South America with Europe
Concept
- Location
Week 3
Rhos y Gwaliau
Week 4
Outcome
- To state the benefits of renewable energy sources
Concept
- Sustainability
Week 5
Outcome
- To analyse and explain the importance of waste management
Concept
- Sustainability
Week 6
Outcome
- To describe how places can become more environmentally friendly
Concept
- Sustainability
Week 7
Outcome
- To assess knowledge and understanding around the Earth’s resources and how they are utilised
Concept
- Sustainability
Trade and Supply
Year 6 start with an exploration of trade and economics. Consolidating and expanding upon their understanding of the relationship between longitude and climate, children consider the stages of the Global Supply Chain and why certain products are imported and exported based.
They explore which certain regions are better suited to producing certain crops. They also consider the damage that the desire to use cash crops to boost the economy can have on a region’s ecology and human geography. Children understand the competing priorities of different stakeholders and the reasons for Fair Trade.
Building upon their statistics work in Mathematics from Year 5, they appreciate how data can be represented differently and that data published by different organisations can vary because of divergences in their methodology.
Children build upon their ability to present information in the most appropriate way using diagrams to describe trade.
Mountains
Diagrams are also key to the representation of the processes at work in mountains.
Children will build upon their prior knowledge (learnt in Year 3) of volcanoes, and the processes which form continents to understand where mountains are located.
They will build upon their work in Year 5, looking at rivers to appreciate how mountains can be carved into gorges over thousands of years.
They will consider the importance of glaciers.
Earth’s Resources
Having already looked at how Earth’s resources are traded, the children discover where these traded resources are located.
Geographical Concepts
Climate
The average weather pattern in a particular region over a period of time. It involves studying the patterns of temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation.
Settlement
A location where people reside and engage in various activities. These activities can include working in offices, farming the land, or running businesses.
Sustainability
Making informed decisions to preserve the health of the Earth for the long term. This involves using resources efficiently, reducing waste and being mindful of the impact our choices have on the environment.
Location
Where a place is situated on the Earth’s surface, often described using coordinates like latitude and longitude. It involves using tools, like maps, to determine where one place is situated in relation to others.
Landscape
The visible features of an area of land, containing both natural and man-made features.
Trade
Exchanging goods and services internationally, where countries engage in buying and selling to meet their needs, fostering a global economic network.
Textbooks
Trade and Economy
Mountains
Earth’s Resources