The National Curriculum for Geography aims to ensure that all pupils:

KS1

Geographical skills and fieldwork:

• 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
• Use simple compass directions (North, South, East and West) and locational and directional language [for example, near and far; left and right], to describe the location of features and routes on a map Geography – key stages 1 and 2 3
• 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
• 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

KS2

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.

Year 1

Local area topic

• Observe and record information about their area.
• Take photos in the local area and explain what the photos show.
• Create memory maps.
• Study aerial photographs.
• Identify things on a map.
• Make a simple map.
• Create an aerial map of the local area.

Year 2

Local area topic

• Study maps and aerial photograph and use simple compass directions (N,S,E,W).
• Use locational and directional language to describe.
• Draw own maps and construct basic symbols in a key.
• Observe and record the features of the coast line.
• Communicate fieldwork findings in different ways e.g. reports, graphs, sketches, diagrams and pictures.
• Make sketches/notes of their trip to the coastline.

Year 3

Local area topic

• Use locational language to describe the location of points on a map of the school/local area.
• Take digital photographs
• Undertake environmental surveys.
• Use the school grounds to undertake weather surveys, including wind direction, where the sun shines (north, south, west), recording a changes and observations using a method of choice e.g. rainfall - is it the same on all sides of the school.
• Make an aerial plan/map of the school.

Year 4

Local area topic

• Identify features on a map and experiment with four figure grid references.
• Undertake surveys
• Conduct investigations
• Use recognised symbols to mark out areas on own maps.
• Choose effective recording and presentation methods.
• Present data in appropriate ways using a key to make it clear.
• Draw conclusions from data.

Year 5

Local area topic

• Use maps, atlases, globes and digital/computer mapping (DigiSmart) to locate countries and describe features studied
• Use the eight points of a compass, four-figure grid references, symbols and key (including the use of Ordnance Survey maps) to build their knowledge of the United Kingdom in the past and present.
• Confidently use fieldwork to observe, measure and record the human and physical features in the local area with increasing accuracy using a range of methods, including sketch maps, plans and graphs, and digital technologies.
• Take photographs to support findings
• Study pictures  and compare and contrast.
• Select a method to present the differences in transport in the area today.

Year 6

Local area topic

• Make field notes/observational notes about land features.
• Visit a river, locate and explain the features.
• Record measurement of river width/depth.
• Look for evidence of past river use by visiting the location.
• Plan and carry out geographical surveys.
• Select methods for collecting, presenting and analysing.
• Analyse data and draw conclusions.
• Collate the data collected and record it using data handling software to produce graphs and charts of the results.
• Ask Geographical questions
• Form and develop opinions