Understanding places, people and the world around us
At North Mead, Geography helps children understand places, environments, people and the relationships between them. Pupils build secure locational knowledge, explain physical and human processes, and use maps, fieldwork, data and evidence to investigate geographical questions.
Geography at North Mead
- Know where — secure locational and place knowledge.
- Know why — explain physical and human processes.
- Know how — investigate through maps, fieldwork, data and evidence.
What children learn
| Phase | What children learn |
| EYFS | Explore the local environment, weather, seasons, journeys, simple maps, places and communities. |
| Year 1 | Observe local features and use aerial photographs, simple maps and symbols. |
| Year 2 | Use simple compass directions, plan routes and compare with a contrasting non-European locality. |
| Year 3 | Use atlases and digital mapping, conduct coastal/environmental fieldwork and introduce global lines of latitude. |
| Year 4 | Use historical and OS-style maps, keys and four-figure grid references in local-area work and compare named regions. |
| Year 5 | Collect and present environmental data; investigate trade, resource distribution and sustainability. |
| Year 6 | Use longitude, time zones, digital mapping and increasingly independent enquiry; introduce six-figure grid references where appropriate. |
Fieldwork and local geography
Fieldwork is essential, not optional. Children ask questions, observe, collect data, record findings, identify patterns and draw conclusions. The school grounds, local area and Leicester provide meaningful starting points before pupils compare places further afield.
Sustainability
Geography helps pupils understand climate, resources, conservation, environmental change, human impact and interdependence. Children consider how local and global choices affect people and environments.
Related North Mead Pages
- Our Curriculum
- Sustainability