This Year 3 geography unit introduces pupils to a European region study through the exploration of Paris. Using maps, atlases and geographical comparison activities, pupils develop their understanding of place, location and life within a European city.
Across six lessons, pupils build map and atlas skills by locating Paris, planning travel routes and identifying important landmarks and geographical features. Pupils also compare Paris with their own local area, helping them recognise similarities and differences between places and environments.
Recognised as Highly Commended by the Geographical Association, this unit includes ready-to-teach lesson plans, teaching slides, differentiated geography activities and assessment opportunities to support progression across Lower KS2 geography.
Explore the full Year 3 geography curriculum
See how this European region study fits within our wider Year 3 geography progression.
This Year 3 geography block introduces pupils to a European region study through the exploration of Paris. Pupils develop geographical understanding by locating places, using atlases and comparing features of a European city with their own local area.
Throughout the unit, pupils investigate both human and physical features, build locational knowledge and begin to understand how places can differ depending on geography, culture and environment. The lessons encourage pupils to use geographical vocabulary confidently while developing map-reading and enquiry skills.
This block forms part of our Year 3 geography curriculum within the KS2 geography scheme. It builds early understanding of European geography and supports progression into later KS2 units involving regional comparison, global connections and geographical interpretation.
The lessons are designed to work flexibly within different curriculum structures and typically fit within a 45-60 minute geography lesson. Many schools teach geography through blocked units across half terms, while others use shorter weekly geography sessions across the term.
Recognised as Highly Commended by the Geographical Association, our Glorious Geography scheme supports progression from EYFS geography through to KS2 geography, including mixed-age geography planning.
