Long-term overview - London - Year 3

The Year 3 geography curriculum provides students with a comprehensive understanding of London as the capital city of the United Kingdom. It aims to develop their contextual knowledge about the location of significant places globally, including their defining physical and human characteristics. Students are expected to explore the geographical similarities and differences through the study of human and physical geography in a specific region of the UK, thereby gaining a deeper geographical context for understanding various actions and processes.

Substantive knowledge covered in the curriculum includes understanding why capital cities exist and what differentiates a major city from a town or village. Students will learn about the names and purposes of many of London’s famous buildings, the concept of monarchy, and the names of other European capitals. Additionally, the curriculum highlights the importance of rivers in the establishment of significant cities, such as London. Disciplinary knowledge focuses on geographical skills and fieldwork, where students will explain the differences between villages, towns, and cities, understand the contrast between rural and urban locations within the UK, and use maps to locate places. They will also engage in fieldwork activities, systematic data collection, and create freehand maps, all while considering the importance of London's transport system in the city's growth and accessibility.