This Geography scheme of work video introduces pupils to the inspiring story of Ernest Shackleton, the famous Antarctic explorer. Although Shackleton never achieved his goal of crossing the Antarctic continent, his name is remembered for his bravery, determination and leadership, especially during his Endurance expedition.

Teachers will guide children as they follow Shackleton’s journey from England to Antarctica using four-figure grid references. Pupils will develop key map skills as they plot locations from the Weddell Sea to Elephant Island and South Georgia, visualising the route Shackleton took to rescue his crew. Teachers are supported in helping 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 developing children’s knowledge of grid referencing and 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?