United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 5 Geography
A comprehensive exploration of physical and human geography focusing on spatial patterns, environmental processes, and regional diversity. Students develop advanced mapping skills and investigate the complex relationship between human activity and the natural world.
The Power of the Earth: Mountains and Volcanoes
An investigation into the tectonic forces that shape our planet and the impact of mountainous terrain on human life.
Understanding how the movement of the Earth's crust creates mountains and volcanic activity.
Locating and comparing major mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, Andes, and Alps.
A case study of communities living near active volcanoes and the risks and benefits they face.
Rivers and the Water Cycle
Tracing the journey of a river from source to sea and understanding the vital role of water in the environment.
Examining the features of a river system including erosion, deposition, and landform creation.
Exploring how water moves through the atmosphere, land, and oceans in a continuous loop.
Analyzing why historical and modern cities are often located along major river banks.
Biomes and Ecosystems
Discovering the diverse biomes of the world and how plants and animals adapt to their environments.
Investigating the layers of the rainforest and the biodiversity found within the Amazon and Congo basins.
Exploring how life survives in extreme heat and water scarcity across the world's hot deserts.
A look at the Arctic and Antarctic circles and the challenges of living in polar regions.
Human Geography: Trade and Resources
Examining how natural resources are distributed and how global trade connects different parts of the world.
Identifying renewable and non-renewable resources and their global distribution.
Tracing the journey of everyday products from raw materials to the consumer.
Evaluating the ethical implications of trade and the importance of sustainability.
Regional Study: North America
A deep dive into the physical and human characteristics of the North American continent, focusing on the USA and Mexico.
Comparing the Great Plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Mississippi Basin.
Studying the growth of major cities like New York and Mexico City.
Investigating issues such as wildfires in California and water scarcity in the Southwest.
Advanced Mapping and Fieldwork
Developing technical skills in cartography and applying geographic inquiry to the local area.
Learning to use six-figure grid references, scale, and contour lines on Ordnance Survey maps.
Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze spatial data and layers.
Conducting a primary investigation into a local geographic issue, such as land use or traffic flow.