Long-term overview - Biomes - Year 4

In the Year 4 Geography curriculum, pupils delve into the study of biomes as a key aspect of physical geography. They are expected to describe and understand climate zones, biomes, vegetation belts, and various significant geographical features such as rivers, mountains, and the water cycle. The use of maps, atlases, globes, and digital mapping tools is integral to their learning, enabling them to locate countries and describe the features they study. The substantive knowledge component ensures that students grasp the concept of a biome, recognise the physical conditions that lead to the formation of different biomes, and understand the features of specific biomes, such as rainforests, including the layers and the impact of deforestation.

The curriculum also emphasises disciplinary knowledge through geographical skills and fieldwork. Students learn to use graphs to record and interpret data like temperature and rainfall, understand how to use four-figure grid references, and describe places in detail. They are encouraged to use world maps for identifying geographical features and to conduct research to gather specific information about these features. This comprehensive approach to geography education helps students comprehend how climate influences human activities and the characteristics of various landscapes. They explore the main features of diverse biomes, including tundras and deserts, and are tasked with conducting in-depth studies of biomes, which they then present to their classmates, fostering a deeper understanding of the world's diverse ecological regions.