Environmental health and personal health are inextricably linked. Geography teaches pupils about different types of employment and their distribution within and among countries. Geography studies the impact of economic activity on the human and physical environment. Geography explores attitudes and values towards complex issues such as resource exploitation. The foundations of geographical learning should be a statutory component of early years education.
Children come to school with a range of geographical ideas and abilities.
Through structured play, discussion and activity, young children should learn about their immediate environment and begin to explore the world beyond. Geography, which has a key role in developing children's sense of belonging and identity, should be a statutory entitlement at key stages 1 and 2. At key stage 1 children should continue to learn about the place where they live and its environment. They should become aware that other places are similar to and different from their own locality which, in turn, will foster a respect for cultural diversity. Through these studies they should develop a variety of geographical skills, including observation and measurement.