Learning matters

Key stage 3

At key stage 3 pupils will have come from a variety of primary school backgrounds. It is important to remember that all will have had some experience of geographical work and some will have covered a great deal of locality-based and thematic study. Teaching and learning at key stage 3 should aim to challenge and surprise pupils with a range of new ideas and perspectives, promoting their creativity and developing their geographical skills and knowledge.

Before devising particular activities, it is useful to reflect on your approach to teaching and learning.

The foundation subjects strand of the Key Stage 3 National Strategy aims to raise standards by strengthening teaching and learning across the curriculum for all pupils aged 11 to 14. Many of the approaches and activities included in this section of the website will support teachers in implementing the Strategy.

The QCA website provides guidance on teaching geography to gifted and talented pupils and on planning, teaching and assessing the geography curriculum for pupils with learning difficulties.

For some practical examples of teaching and learning approaches, choose from the menu.

Other information

The DfES The standards site provides guidance on the use of key stage 3 strategy training materials to support the teaching of gifted and talented pupils in geography.

The Teacher Resource Exchange in the Virtual Teachers’ Centre provides a moderated database of key stage 3 geography resources and activities.