🌸 Spring 1 Overview – Year 1

Theme: Geography for Life – Travel Agents and Reps ✈️🌍

This half term, Year 1 will be learning about the world around us through the theme Geography for Life, using the exciting role of a travel agent/travel representative. Children will explore maps, places, and directions, helping them understand where places are, how we travel, and why people choose to visit different locations.

🗺️ Our Geography Focus

Maps of the UK and Beyond

Children will:

• Explore a map of the United Kingdom
• Name and locate the four countries of the UK
• Begin to add and recognise other countries on a world map

Continents and Oceans

Pupils will learn to:

• Name and locate the seven continents and five oceans
• Talk about where continents and oceans are in relation to the UK (north, south, east, west)

Holidays in the UK

As travel agents, children will:

• Look at popular holiday destinations in the UK
• Discuss why people choose to visit these places (e.g. seaside, countryside, cities)
• Learn the direction of these places from Pelsall

Children will use maps, globes, photographs, and discussion to support their understanding.

📚 What We Are Learning

Throughout this half term, children will learn to:

• Understand what a map is and how it helps us find places
• Name and locate the UK, its countries, and key places
• Identify continents and oceans around the world
• Use simple directional language (north, south, east, west)
• Talk about why people travel to different places

🛠️ Skills We Are Developing

Children will develop:

• Geographical skills – using maps, globes, and atlases
• Vocabulary skills – learning and using place names and directional language
• Thinking skills – comparing places and explaining choices
• Communication skills – speaking clearly and sharing ideas
• Personal skills – curiosity about the world and respect for different places and people

🏠 How You Can Support at Home

You can help your child by:

• Looking at maps or globes together and finding the UK
• Talking about places you have visited or would like to visit
• Practising directional language (e.g. What is north of us?)
• Watching child-friendly programmes or reading books about different places
• Helping your child act as a travel agent and plan a pretend holiday

Thank you for supporting your child’s learning. This topic will help children develop a love of geography and an understanding of the world around them 🌍