Maps and Cultures

Overview

This 90-minute session explores map skills and cultural geography for Year 2 pupils, focusing on comparing the Caribbean and the UK, and understanding the historical and cultural contributions of the Windrush Generation. The lesson is designed for 9 students and aligns with the National Curriculum for England, particularly Geography and History elements.

National Curriculum Links

Geography (Key Stage 1, Year 2)

Locational knowledge: Name and locate the world’s seven continents and five oceans (NC 2014)
Place knowledge: Understand geographical similarities and differences through studying the human and physical geography of a small area of the UK and a contrasting non-European country (NC 2014)
Human and physical geography: Identify seasonal and daily weather patterns in the UK and the location of hot and cold areas of the world in relation to the Equator and the North and South Poles (relevant to Caribbean climate)
Geographical skills and fieldwork: Use simple compass directions and locational and directional language for understanding position and routes on maps (NC 2014)

History (Key Stage 1, Year 2)

Changes within living memory: Significant events beyond living memory that are nationally significant, e.g., the Windrush Generation's arrival and impact on Britain (NC 2014)
Historical interpretation: Use stories and pictures to understand events in the past (NC 2014)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

Locate the UK and the Caribbean on a world map and identify key geographical differences (NC Geography KS1).
Describe similarities and differences between the weather, landscapes, and cultures of the Caribbean and the UK (NC Geography KS1).
Understand the historical significance of the Windrush Generation and describe their contribution to British culture (NC History KS1).
Use basic compass directions and locational language to describe places on simple maps (NC Geography KS1).
Develop empathy and respect for cultural diversity through exploration of the Windrush story (NC PSHE links).

Resources

Large world map (physical or interactive)
Atlases or printed maps showing the UK and the Caribbean
Compass rose for directional activities
Images and artefacts representing Caribbean culture and Windrush Generation
Storybook or video about the Windrush Generation (age-appropriate)
Worksheet with map activities and comparison charts
Coloured pencils, glue, scissors for map-related crafts
Interactive whiteboard or projector if available

Lesson Structure

Introduction (15 minutes)

Hook: Show a world map and ask pupils to locate the UK. Then reveal the Caribbean islands, focusing on Jamaica as a key example.
Discuss briefly what a map is and why it is useful.
Introduce compass directions (N, S, E, W) using the compass rose.
Link to today's learning: "Today, we will explore maps to find out all about two very different places — the UK and the Caribbean — and learn about people who came all the way from the Caribbean to live in the UK – the Windrush Generation."

Activity 1: Map Investigation (20 minutes)

Pupils work in pairs or small groups to locate the UK and selected Caribbean islands on printed maps or atlases.
Task: Use compass directions to describe directions from the UK to the Caribbean (e.g., "The Caribbean is south of the UK").
Draw simple maps labelling the UK and Caribbean islands, adding symbols for key physical features (sea, mountains, forests).
Teacher circulates to support use of directional language and map skills.

Activity 2: Compare and Contrast (15 minutes)

Whole class group discussion using a Venn diagram on the board.
Discuss and record similarities and differences between the UK and the Caribbean (e.g., climate, weather, animals, culture).
Use images and short descriptive facts to support pupils’ ideas.
Link this to the idea that the two places are different but people still travel and live between them.

Break (10 minutes)

Activity 3: Windrush Story (20 minutes)

Share an age-appropriate story or video about the Windrush Generation and their arrival in the UK after WWII.
Show photographs or artefacts connected to Windrush migrants.
Discuss why people travelled from the Caribbean to the UK and what they brought with them (culture, music, food).
Pupils discuss how the Windrush Generation helped change British culture and why it’s important to remember them.

Activity 4: Creative Response (15 minutes)

Pupils create a simple “Windrush Memory Card” - a two-sided paper card.
One side: Draw a symbol representing Caribbean culture (music, food, flags).
Other side: Write one or two sentences about the Windrush Generation’s contribution to British culture.
Teacher supports sentence construction with sentence starters: “The Windrush Generation came from…”, “They helped by bringing…”

Plenary and Assessment (10 minutes)

Pupils share their Windrush cards in pairs or small groups, practising speaking and listening.
Teacher conducts a quick oral quiz to recap:
- Where is the Caribbean compared to the UK?
- Name one difference and one similarity between the two places.
- What was the Windrush Generation’s impact?
Collect the map worksheets and Windrush cards for informal assessment of understanding.

Differentiation

Provide sentence starters and word banks for pupils who need writing support.
Use images and physical artefacts for pupils with varied learning styles or language difficulties.
Challenge more able pupils to give additional facts about the UK's geography or more detailed descriptions of cultural impact.

Cross-Curricular Links

English: Storytelling and factual writing about the Windrush Generation.
PSHE: Cultural respect and understanding diversity.
Art: Creating symbolic drawings representing cultural heritage.
Speaking and Listening: Sharing ideas and group discussion.

Reflection and Extension Ideas

Organise a follow-up session with music from the Caribbean and the UK post-war era.
Invite a local Windrush descendant to share experiences or lead a Q&A.
Extend map skills with a treasure hunt using compass directions around the school.

This lesson blends geography and history in a meaningful way, using maps and stories to bring the pupils’ understanding of place and culture vividly to life while meeting National Curriculum requirements for Year 2.

Teaching Instructions