Teach geography confidently across combined KS1 classes with this Year 1 and 2 mixed age geography block focused on forest environments, simple fieldwork and early map skills. Designed specifically for mixed-age Year 1 and Year 2 classes, this unit forms part of our wider mixed age geography scheme of work.
Pupils explore forest habitats through observation, practical activities and geographical enquiry while developing confidence with maps, keys, directional language and identifying human and physical features.
The lessons follow the same progressive structure as our single-year geography units but are carefully organised to ensure pupils in mixed age KS1 classes experience the full geography curriculum without repeating the same topics.
As part of Glorious Geography, recognised as Highly Commended by the Geographical Association, this block includes planning, differentiated activities and interactive slides to support effective mixed-age geography teaching.
The unit can be delivered flexibly within different curriculum models, including blocked geography teaching across alternate half terms or shorter weekly geography sessions.
This Year 1/2 geography unit forms part of our wider mixed-age geography scheme, supporting progression across combined classes from Year 1 through to Year 6.
For schools teaching mixed age classes, the Year 1 and Year 2 geography units can be organised into a two-year cycle.
In the first year of the cycle, pupils follow the Cycle A geography blocks. In the second year, pupils follow the Cycle B blocks. This ensures that children in mixed age KS1 classes experience the full geography curriculum without repeating the same blocks.
Click here to view the full unit overview and outcomes.
This Year 1 and 2 mixed age geography block introduces pupils to forest environments through observation, practical enquiry and early map work. Pupils investigate what forests are like, identify human and physical features, learn about different tree types and begin applying simple mapping skills.
The activities are designed to work successfully across both year groups. Younger pupils develop confidence through hands-on exploration and discussion, while older pupils build independence when recording observations and interpreting maps.
This is the first block in the Cycle B sequence for Year 1 and 2 mixed age geography. It complements the local area and place-based studies from Cycle A while broadening pupils’ understanding of physical and human geography.
The block works well within a range of curriculum structures and can be adapted for blocked geography teaching or shorter weekly lessons depending on the needs of the class.
Our Glorious Geography scheme supports progression from EYFS geography through to KS2 geography, helping schools build geographical understanding across the primary phase.
