This Geography scheme of work video supports teachers in introducing and reinforcing the distinction between physical and human features. These are core concepts that underpin geographical understanding throughout both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Teachers are guided in explaining that physical features are natural landforms and elements that occur on Earth independently of human influence, such as rivers, mountains, vegetation, weather and seasons. Human features, by contrast, are things that have been built or modified by people—roads, buildings, ports, dams, and renewable energy structures. The video addresses common misconceptions pupils may have, particularly about features like parks, reservoirs, farmland and gardens, which may seem natural but are in fact human-designed. It also discusses ambiguous cases like waterfalls and woodlands, which may require further clarification depending on context.

See more of our Whole school Geography scheme of work.

• Geography, Year 1, What is it like to live in Shanghai?, Lesson 1: What can we see in our local area?
• Geography, Y1/2 (B), Where am I?, Lesson 2: What is a feature?
• Geography, Year 4, What are rivers and how are they used?, Lesson 5: What can we find out about our local river?
• Geography, Year 5, Would you like to live in the desert?, Lesson 3: What physical features are found in a desert?