Year 1 and 2 Mixed Age Geography – Hot and Cold Places, Continents and Oceans

Help your mixed age class explore the wider world with this Year 1 and 2 geography block focusing on hot and cold places, continents and oceans. This block forms part of our mixed age geography scheme for KS1 and uses the same high-quality lessons from our single-age units, organised into a clear two-year rolling structure so pupils do not repeat topics.

Part of our Glorious Geography scheme, which has been Highly Commended by the Geographical Association, this block introduces children to global locations, climate zones and the seven continents. With planning, differentiated tasks and interactive slides included, teachers can confidently deliver lessons that work for combined Year 1 and 2 classes.

How to use our mixed-age Geography scheme of work

For schools with mixed age classes, we have adapted the scheme so that the Year 1 and Year 2 blocks can be used on a two-year cycle. In the first year of the cycle, all pupils in Year 1 and 2 will follow the Cycle A blocks of lessons.

In the second year, all pupils in Year 1 and 2 will follow the Cycle B blocks of lessons. This ensures that children do not repeat any of the blocks during KS1.

Click here to get an overview of the unit outcomes.

Lessons in this block
  • Week 1: What is the world?
  • Week 2: Where in the world does the visitor come from?
  • Week 3: What is it like to live in a cold climate?
  • Week 4: Is it cold everywhere?
  • Week 5: What is it like to live in a hot climate?
  • Week 6: How shall we display our learning? (Outcome lesson)

What this mixed-age block covers

This Year 1 and 2 mixed age geography block introduces children to the wider world, helping them understand continents, oceans and the differences between hot and cold places. Through simple enquiry, map work and discussion, pupils learn how climate affects what places are like and how people live.

The planning supports both year groups through structured activities and clear explanations. Younger children gain confidence with early geography vocabulary, while older children begin to compare locations and organise information more independently.

Key skills developed

  • Recognising the seven continents and five oceans
  • Locating hot and cold places on a world map
  • Understanding the features of polar and tropical regions
  • Using maps, photos and enquiry to describe different locations
  • Working collaboratively to create a final project that shows learning

Where this block fits in the cycle

This is the second block in the Cycle A sequence for Year 1 and 2 mixed age geography. It pairs with the corresponding Cycle B block taught the following year so pupils access a broad and balanced set of KS1 geography topics without repeating lessons.

Start using this mixed-age geography block

Download this Year 1 and 2 mixed age geography block as part of our primary geography scheme of work. Access all lesson packs, planning and worksheets with a free trial and explore hot and cold places with your mixed age class.