Year 3 Geography Expectations
Year 3 Geography Knowledge, Skills and Understanding
Geographical Enquiry
Do they use correct geographical
words to describe a place and the
things that happen there?
Can they identify key features of a
locality by using a map?
Can they make accurate
measurement of distances within
100Km?
Physical Geography
Can they use maps and atlases
appropriately by using contents and
indices?
Can they confidently describe
physical features in a locality?
Can they locate the Mediterranean
and explain why it is a popular
holiday destination?
Human Geography
Can they confidently describe
human features in a locality?
Can they explain why a locality has
certain human features?
Can they explain how the lives of
people living in the Mediterranean
would be different from their own?
Geographical Knowledge
Can they name a number of
countries in the Northern
Hemisphere?
Can they name and locate some
well-known European countries?
Can they name and locate the capital
cities of neighbouring European
countries?
Are they aware of different weather
in different parts of the world,
especially Europe?
Year 3 (Challenging)
Can they work out how long it would
take to get to a given destination
taking account of the mode of transp
ort?
Can they explain why a locality has
certain physical features?
Can they explain how people’s lives
vary due to weather?
Can they name the two largest seas
around Europe?
GEOGRAPHICAL STUDY and FIELD WORK
Ask simple geographical questions
Take and use digital photographs
Make detailed sketches whilst on field work and/or
draw labelled diagrams
Discuss changes in weather and seasons from a chart
Use tally charts and simple tables to collect information
MAPS
Identify features on a map
Know the main aspects of the British Isles using maps
Draw simple maps and plans, sometimes with keys
Make a plan of the classroom
Mark some locations on a map of UK – our town, our school visit, my holiday
Identify the main regions of the world – continents, equator, tropics
Begin to use concepts of NSEW
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Recognise characteristic physical and human features of places - built up, noisy, busy ..
Identify parts of some physical features – e.g. coast
Understand similarities and differences in places
Use aerial photographs to identify land use and other geographical features
Know that places are linked by paths or roads
Express views about local area and environment
Use vocabulary of size to classify –hamlet, town, city
Autumn Geography: What makes the Earth so angry?
Geography: pupils to be taught physical geography, including: climate zones, biomes and vegetation belts, rivers, mountains, volcanoes and
earthquakes, and the water cycle
What causes a volcano to erupt and which are the famous volcanoes in the world?
How do volcanoes impact on the lives of people and why do people choose to live near them?
How can we recreate an erupting volcano?
What causes an earthquake (and a tsunami) and how are they measured?
Who experiences extreme weather in our country?
Which countries have experienced earthquakes and tsunamis in your life time?
How can we capture a stormy weather pattern using music, drama and dance?
Reflection: Each group to put together a weather presentation of extreme weather using music, drama and video clips.
Spring Geography and History Has Greece always been in the news?: Understand geographical similarities and differences through
the study of human and physical geography of a region or area in a European country; KS2 History: A study of Greek life and achievements and
their influence on the western world
Where is Greece and why do so many people enjoy going on holiday there?
How do Greece’s physical features, including its climate differ from ours?
How does Greece’s climate impact on its people?
Who were the Ancient Greeks and what did we learn from them?
How would a tourist to Greece today be reminded of the power of the Ancient Greeks?
…and the Oscar goes to? (Which Greek God would you choose to receive a special award?)
Would you have enjoyed being an Olympian?
What is democracy and what part did the Greeks have in creating it?
How would you go about reproducing a clay pot in the style of the Greeks?
Reflection: Children to put on a special Greek event for parents to include features of ancient and modern Greece.
Summer Geography: Understand geographical similarities and differences through the study of human and physical geography of a region or
area of the United Kingdom and a region or area in a European country
Why do so many people go to the Med on holiday?
What are the advantages/ disadvantages of living in a Mediterranean country?
Why do Mediterranean countries have a warmer climate than we do?
Which fruits and vegetables are produced in the Mediterranean?
How can we organise a Mediterranean food festival?
How would you go about attracting someone to visit a Mediterranean country?
Why doesn’t everyone speak English and use the same money?
Who are the famous artists of the Mediterranean and what can we learn from them?
Which European cities can we associate with different types of music?
Reflection: Children in groups choose a European city and put together a special presentation as part of a European day in school (holiday
programme style).