Planning matters

Key stage 2

Effective planning of the geography curriculum influences the quality of what happens in the classroom. Given the wide range of considerations, planning a successful geography programme is demanding. It helps to look at the planning process at three levels:

• long-term planning
• medium-term planning
• short-term planning.

Long-term planning

A long-term plan looks at geography's contribution across the key stage to identify:

• progression from key stage 1 geography
• how places, themes and skills will be integrated in each geography unit
• development of the skills of geographical enquiry through key stage 2
• how geography is linked to the wider curriculum
• the enquiry focus and broad sequence of content for each geography unit of work.

Medium-term planning

Medium-term planning is about producing a plan for a unit of work. This includes:

• a more detailed list of specific enquiry questions
• a sequence of teaching and learning activities
• learning objectives and opportunities for assessment
• links to other areas of the curriculum (literacy, numeracy, citizenship and ICT)
• resource needs and arrangements for any fieldwork component
• time allocation for the unit of work.

Short-term planning

Short-term planning is about devising lesson plans that consider:

• the lesson focus or question and the learning objectives
• learning activities and differentiation to cater for different children's needs
• grouping of children, resources to be used and other adults to involve
• opportunities for feedback to children
• assessment opportunities (if appropriate).

For some practical examples of approaches to planning, choose from the menu.

Further examples of planning in geography at key stage 2 are currently being collected. If you have a good example, submit it for possible inclusion.

The QCA/DfES schemes of work website provides further guidance, with examples, on short-, medium- and long-term planning, while the teacher’s guide for geography provides guidance on constructing a scheme of work.