GEOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATION. www.geography.org.uk

Primary geography can provide ideal links with literacy work. The Geographical Association’s Storylink: Llandudno resource pack brings the QCA scheme of work “A contrasting UK locality - Llandudno” closer to the classroom through a series of well-crafted enquiry-based stories.

The fictional characters from the four storybooks engage in real-life situations, based in the town. Resource sheets provide opportunities for questioning and discussion about the stories. These texts will inspire lower key stage 2 pupils, but will be less challenging for upper KS2. High-quality mapping at a range of scales; a wealth of interesting photographs; interviews with residents and real survey data all focus the learner on geographical skills. The teacher’s guide provides particularly useful alternative materials to extend the QCA unit, challenging issues of citizenship and change in the town.

The pack extends thinking skills and provides inspiring, inviting and hands-on lesson ideas. Although it contains worksheets, the emphasis firmly lies with discussion and enquiry. Its strength is in the non-fiction geographical materials, but the fictional stories can provide an interesting way to engage KS2 pupils. This is a useful resource to supplement and extend the QCA documents.

Helen Martin is key stage 2 co-ordinator at Shelley primary school, Horsham