A roadmap for primary Geography skills and knowledge

This printable PDF document outlines the progression of Geography skills and knowledge in EYFS, KS1 and KS2 and how it aligns with the National curriculum. For primary teachers looking for an engaging Geography scheme of work, our progression of skills and knowledge helps deliver a comprehensive curriculum. 

How can I use this document to plan my Geography curriculum effectively?

The Kapow Primary Geography scheme of work follows a structured, spiral curriculum. This document is a valuable tool for primary Geography planning, enabling you to see how skills and knowledge build upon each other from year to year. 

The document supports subject leaders and teachers when planning the Geography curriculum by outlining the progression of skills throughout KS1 and KS2 and showing which lessons support that progression. Use it during your planning process to ensure each year group builds on the previous one, with clear guidance on which lessons to focus on at each stage.

How do Geography skills and knowledge develop at Kapow Primary?

This document outlines the development of Geography knowledge across all year groups, ensuring a clear pathway for pupil learning. Progression is broken down into the following key areas:

• Locational knowledge – naming and locating places and features from memory; using atlases, globes and maps.
• Place knowledge – developing a sense of the children’s place in the world; comparing and contrasting geographical areas to understand their characteristics and cultures; learning how places are interconnected and change over time.
• Human and physical geography – understanding the relationship between humans and the environment; exploring the Earth’s natural features and processes; considering the impact of human activity on settlements; learning about land use, trade and natural resources.
• Geography skills and fieldwork – using maps and diagrams; describing location and direction; planning and carrying out fieldwork enquiries.

What other Kapow Primary resources support primary Geography teaching? 

• For our standard Geography scheme, see Geography: Long-term plan.
• If you follow our Long-term plan – mixed-age, see the corresponding Progression of skills and knowledge – mixed-age version.
• See how children begin their Kapow Geography journey with our EYFS (Reception) units. 
• To learn how children develop their Geography skills, see our Geography KS1 units.
• Explore more of Kapow’s Geography scheme by browsing our Lower KS2, Upper KS2  and Mixed-age units.
• For progression of knowledge and skills information, see the Geography subject leader hub.