In this Geography video, the adventures of Ernest Shackleton, the famous Antarctic explorer, are summarised with practical guidance for classroom activities. Although Shackleton never achieved his goal of crossing the Antarctic continent, his name is remembered for bravery, determination and leadership, especially during his Endurance expedition.

The video highlights Shackleton’s journey from England to Antarctica, summarising key locations such as the Weddell Sea, Elephant Island and South Georgia. Pupils can use this summary to discuss his route and develop an understanding of the challenges he faced during the Endurance expedition.

Teachers are supported in helping the children develop geographical skills, historical understanding and empathy through mapping and narrative analysis. This is a powerful cross-curricular link between Geography and History, ideal for building knowledge of grid referencing while inspiring awe about real-world explorers.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Geography – Maps and fieldwork units.

See more of our Year 3 and Year 4 Geography scheme of work.

• Geography, Year 3, Who lives in Antarctica? Lesson 4: Who was Shackleton?
• Geography, Y3/4 (B), Who lives in Antarctica? Y3/4 (B): Lesson 4: Who was Shackleton?