Teach place knowledge across combined KS1 classes with this Year 1 and 2 mixed age geography block focused on San Francisco as a contrasting non-European locality. Designed for mixed-age Year 1 and Year 2 classes, this unit forms part of our wider mixed age geography scheme of work.
Pupils use maps, atlases, globes and photographs to explore San Francisco, identify human and physical features, and compare the city with their own local area.
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 a contrasting non-European locality through a study of San Francisco. Pupils explore landmarks, physical features, human activity, transport and daily life in a major US city before comparing it with their own local area.
The planning supports both year groups through clear vocabulary, structured tasks and early geographical enquiry. Younger pupils learn through practical map and photograph activities, while older pupils begin to use atlases, compass directions and simple route descriptions with greater confidence.
This is the second block in the Cycle B sequence for Year 1 and 2 mixed age geography. It complements the forest study taught in Cycle B Block 1, giving pupils a varied mix of physical geography, map work and place knowledge during KS1.
The block works well within different 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.
