Support mixed-age geography teaching with this Year 1 and 2 mixed age geography block exploring forest environments, map skills and simple fieldwork. Designed for schools teaching combined Year 1 and Year 2 classes, this block forms part of our mixed age geography scheme of work and provides a clear sequence of lessons that works effectively in mixed-age classrooms.
The lessons follow the same carefully sequenced structure as our single-year units but are organised so that 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 helps children explore forest environments, identify human and physical features and develop early map and atlas skills. Planning, differentiated activities and interactive slides are included to support teachers and make mixed-age geography teaching manageable and effective.
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 children to forest environments through observation, enquiry and early map work. Pupils explore what forests are like, identify human and physical features, learn about tree types and practise using simple maps, keys and compass directions.
The planning supports both year groups through practical activities, vocabulary building and opportunities to apply skills at different levels. Younger children enjoy hands-on exploration, while older pupils begin to record information more independently and use maps with greater confidence.
This is the first block in the Cycle B sequence for Year 1 and 2 mixed age geography. It provides a contrasting place study to the local area and UK-focused topics from Cycle A, giving children broader experience of physical and human geography in KS1.
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 forests and map skills with your mixed age class.
