What does the geography curriculum say about maps?

In KS1 and KS2 geography, the inclusion of map-reading covers more than just navigation skills. Maps are important resources that help pupils understand the area around them, develop spatial awareness and build geographical knowledge and skills. So, what exactly does the National Curriculum say about maps in KS1 and KS2, and how can you bring this to life in the classroom? 

As a primary school teacher or geography lead, you’ll want to have a clear grasp of how map skills progress across KS1 and KS2 and how to embed them into your teaching. This article breaks down the key curriculum objectives and shows you how to get results from your map-reading lessons. 

Why maps matter in geography education 

Teaching your pupils how to read and interpret maps helps them make sense of both their local area and the Earth as a whole. Through map work, pupils learn to: 

• Understand position, direction and scale 
• Compare different places and landscapes 
• Develop enquiry and observation skills 
• Link abstract symbols to real-world features 

Map work also builds confidence in working with a range of geographical tools, such as atlases, digital maps, aerial photographs and OS symbols. These are important for progression into KS3 and beyond. 

What does the National Curriculum say? 

Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2) 

In KS1, pupils start reading maps through simple exploration. The National Curriculum states that pupils at this stage should: 

• Use world maps, atlases and globes to identify the United Kingdom and its countries, as well as other countries and continents
• Use simple compass directions (North, South, East and West) and directional language (e.g. near, far; left, right) to describe the location of features and routes on a map
• Devise a simple map and use basic symbols in a key

These objectives are designed to build spatial awareness. In years 1 and 2, it’s also a good idea to let pupils create their own maps. They can do this by drawing a classroom layout or conducting fieldwork to create a map of the local area. Our KS1 geography resources contain lots of opportunities for pupils to study and explore maps, both locally and globally. You can find out more about how to access our resources at the bottom of this page.

Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6) 

Map work becomes more advanced at this stage, with pupils expected to: 

• Use maps, atlases, globes, and digital/computer mapping to locate countries and describe features studied
• Use the eight points of a compass, four- and six-figure grid references, symbols and keys
• Learn to interpret Ordnance Survey maps and apply fieldwork skills

This stage introduces more technical map-reading skills, with an emphasis on applying them in real-world contexts. Pupils should explore local, national and global maps and practise using grid references and map symbols. Activities like treasure hunts, outdoor fieldwork and comparing physical and political maps are great for this. 

Go-to resources for the classroom

Our KS1 and KS2 geography curriculum embeds maps throughout the curriculum - they’re not just featured in one-off activities. Whether it's drawing a map to show human and physical features or locating landmarks using grid references, our lessons weave map-ready skills all the way through the curriculum. 

For you, as a teacher, knowing what the curriculum expects around map skills makes lessons both engaging and purposeful. Our KS1 and KS2 geography curriculum provides you with resources to create these lessons, such as intent documents, curriculum maps, lesson presentations and more. 

A free two-week trial with Developing Experts will give you access to all our curriculum resources, so you can explore these essential map-reading skills with your class. Sign up now by clicking here.