Support mixed-age geography teaching with this Year 3 and 4 mixed age geography block exploring volcanoes, earthquakes and natural disasters. Designed for schools teaching combined Year 3 and Year 4 classes, this block forms part of our mixed age geography scheme of work for lower KS2 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 lower KS2 classes experience the full geography curriculum without repeating the same topics.
As part of our Glorious Geography scheme, recognised as Highly Commended by the Geographical Association, this block helps pupils investigate the structure of the Earth and understand how natural hazards affect people and places. Teaching slides, differentiated activities, vocabulary support and knowledge organisers are included to help teachers deliver engaging physical geography lessons in mixed-age classrooms.
For schools teaching mixed age classes, the Year 3 and Year 4 geography units can be organised into a two-year cycle.
In the first year of the cycle, pupils follow the Cycle B geography blocks. In the second year, pupils follow the Cycle A blocks of lessons. This prevents repetition and ensures that pupils in mixed age lower KS2 classes experience a broad and balanced geography curriculum.
Click here to view the unit outcomes in the single-age version.
This Year 3 and 4 mixed age geography block helps pupils explore how the Earth’s layers and tectonic plates create natural disasters. Pupils learn what causes earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis, investigate where these events occur, and examine how people adapt to life in high-risk areas.
The planning has been adapted for mixed age classes by including scaffolded tasks for younger pupils and opportunities for older pupils to explain processes in more detail. Real-world examples and comparative activities help pupils understand the impact natural disasters have on landscapes and communities.
