KS2 Geography Curriculum Resources

Popular KS2 Geography Schemes of Work:

Frequently Asked Questions about KS2 Geography

What is taught in KS2 Geography?

In KS2 Geography, children develop their knowledge of the UK, Europe, North and South America and other parts of the world. They study human and physical geography, including rivers, mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, climate zones, biomes, settlements, land use, trade and natural resources. Children also develop increasingly sophisticated map, fieldwork and geographical enquiry skills.

What are the main areas of the KS2 Geography curriculum?

The National Curriculum for KS2 Geography covers four broad areas: locational knowledge, place knowledge, human and physical geography, and geographical skills and fieldwork. Across Years 3 to 6, children should develop a deeper understanding of places, geographical patterns and processes, while becoming increasingly confident at using maps, data and fieldwork.

What Geography topics are taught in KS2?

Popular KS2 Geography topics include rivers, mountains, volcanoes and earthquakes, climate zones, biomes, rainforests, settlements, trade and natural resources. Children also study regions of the UK, Europe and North or South America. Schools can organise the KS2 Geography curriculum across Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 in different ways, so there is no fixed topic that must be taught in each year group.

What Geography is taught in Years 3 and 4?

Year 3 and Year 4 Geography often introduces children to more detailed studies of the UK and wider world alongside physical Geography topics such as rivers, mountains, volcanoes and climate. Children can also develop their understanding of settlements and land use while building skills such as using atlases, compass points, symbols and grid references. The exact content taught in each year is determined by individual schools.

What Geography is taught in Years 5 and 6?

Year 5 and Year 6 Geography can build on children's existing geographical knowledge through more complex studies of places, environments and the connections between them. Topics might include biomes and climate zones, trade, natural resources, settlements and regions of the world. Children should also become increasingly confident in interpreting maps and geographical data and carrying out fieldwork.

What is human and physical geography in KS2?

Physical geography explores natural features and processes, including climate zones, biomes, vegetation belts, rivers, mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes and the water cycle. Human geography examines people and their relationship with places, including settlements, land use, economic activity, trade and the distribution of natural resources.

What map skills should children learn in KS2?

KS2 children should develop confidence using maps, atlases, globes and digital mapping. They learn to use the eight points of a compass, symbols and keys, four- and six-figure grid references and Ordnance Survey maps. Map work can also help children identify geographical patterns, compare places and investigate how environments change.

What does Geography fieldwork look like in KS2?

KS2 Geography fieldwork gives children opportunities to investigate geographical questions outside the classroom. Activities might include observing and mapping land use, conducting surveys, measuring environmental features, collecting and presenting data, taking photographs or comparing different locations. Children can then analyse their findings and use evidence to draw geographical conclusions.

How can I make KS2 Geography engaging?

KS2 Geography is particularly engaging when children investigate real places, geographical issues and processes. Maps, photographs, videos, geographical data, fieldwork and practical investigations can help children understand abstract concepts and make connections between their own lives and places around the world.

What do PlanBee KS2 Geography resources include?

PlanBee's KS2 Geography resources include ready-to-teach lesson plans and schemes of work for Years 3 to 6, with teaching slides, differentiated activities, printable worksheets and supporting resources. Our schemes cover a wide range of KS2 Geography topics and skills, helping teachers deliver engaging Geography lessons while reducing planning and preparation time.

Are PlanBee KS2 Geography resources aligned with the National Curriculum?

Yes. PlanBee KS2 Geography schemes of work are designed to support the National Curriculum for Geography at Key Stage 2, including locational and place knowledge, human and physical geography, geographical skills and fieldwork. Different schemes address different curriculum requirements, allowing schools to build a broad and coherent Geography curriculum across Years 3 to 6.