Lesson 6: Comparing Selside and Durban

Learning Objectives

• High ability Year 2: Use map skills and observational knowledge to make detailed comparisons of human and physical features of two contrasting places; use descriptive language and reasoning to explain similarities and differences
• Mid-low ability Year 1 and Year 2: Identify key human and physical features of two contrasting places with support; make simple comparisons using visual aids
• Reception: Recognise basic human and physical features using visuals and simple language

Resources

• Maps and photographs of Selside and Durban
• Venn diagram templates (simple and detailed versions)
• Compass rose and directional vocabulary posters
• Visual cards of human and physical features for Reception

Key Vocabulary

• Compare, contrast, similar, different, rural, urban, coastal, inland, compass directions

Activities

1. Recap: Review features of both locations using photos, maps, and compass directions.

   • Reception: Use picture cards to name and sort human and physical features.
   • Year 1-2: Discuss features with visual prompts and scaffolded questions.
   • High ability Year 2: Encourage descriptive discussion using compass directions and reasoning about why features differ or are similar.

2. Venn diagram:

   • Reception: Sort pictures of features into simple groups (Selside, Durban, both) with adult support.
   • Mid-low ability Year 1 and Year 2: Complete a simplified Venn diagram identifying key features with some adult guidance.
   • High ability Year 2: Complete a detailed Venn diagram including multiple human and physical features, using descriptive language to explain overlaps and differences.

3. Compass activity:

   • Reception: Practice naming directions N, E, S, W using posters and pointing games.
   • Mid-low ability Year 1 and Year 2: Use maps to identify and point to features using compass directions with support.
   • High ability Year 2: Describe locations of features on maps using compass directions and explain spatial relationships.

4. Class discussion:

   • Reception: Talk about what they see in pictures and how places might be different or the same using simple words.
   • Mid-low ability Year 1 and Year 2: Share simple sentences about similarities and differences, supported by visuals.
   • High ability Year 2: Engage in a reasoned discussion about how human and physical features affect people’s lives in each place, using descriptive language and map evidence.

Adaptations for Mixed Abilities

Group	Focus	Support/Challenge
Reception	Basic recognition of human and physical features using visuals and simple language	Use picture cards and sorting activities with adult support
Mid-low ability Year 1-2	Identify key features and make simple comparisons with visual and verbal support	Provide scaffolded sentence starters and simplified Venn diagrams
High ability Year 2	Detailed comparison tasks using descriptive language, reasoning, and map skills	Encourage extended sentences, detailed Venn diagrams, and use of compass directions in explanations

Assessment

• Reception: Observe ability to recognise and name human and physical features using visuals
• Mid-low ability Year 1 and Year 2: Assess completed simplified Venn diagrams and participation in supported discussions
• High ability Year 2: Evaluate detailed Venn diagrams for accuracy and depth; observe use of descriptive language and reasoning in map-based explanations and discussions
• Across all groups, monitor use of compass language and map skills during activities and discussions