Understanding settlements and land use
This Geography scheme of work video supports teachers in delivering key content on different types of settlements and how land is used within them. It introduces villages, towns and cities, highlighting their distinguishing features, services and population size. Teachers are guided in helping pupils identify settlement patterns—linear, nucleated and dispersed—using Ordnance Survey (OS) maps.
The video also explores the differences between urban and rural areas, and introduces pupils to categories of land use, including recreational, transport, agricultural, residential and commercial. Pupils are encouraged to apply this knowledge to their local area, using maps to observe and discuss how and why land is used in different ways.
By the end of the lesson, pupils will have developed their ability to identify how land is used, the types of settlements in their own locality, and why certain types of land use occur in specific areas. Teachers are encouraged to facilitate local investigations and map-based discussions to reinforce pupils’ understanding of how human and physical features shape where and how people live.
See more of our Year 3 and Year 4 Geography scheme of work.
