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Understanding National Curriculum Regions and Small Areas


For Geography, the National Curriculum talks in terms of small areas and regions, and misconceptions about the meaning of these terms often causes confusion. Often, for example, we see teachers planning lessons on Africa (54 countries) rather than on a small area in a particular African country. This can result in the children learning  stereotypical representations rather than gaining an understanding of the specifics of the small area in a non-European country. The same thing can happen when focusing on regions.


So how would we define the terms for regions and small areas?

To avoid confusion, we work with the following definitions:

Table outlining the definitions of different spaces

Why the confusion about regions and small areas?

“A region is an area, part of a country or the world having definable characteristics but not always fixed boundaries.”


The nature of a region often depends on what is being considered. Take a look at the examples below:

  • Map A shows a regional division of the UK used by the Meteorological Office

  • Map B shows regions of England used by the Office for National Statistics

  • Map C is used by organisations for ultra marathons 

  • Map D is considerably more detailed and shows traditional topographical regions in the UK

    4 different maps that split UK regions differently

B&C Educational’s approach

Here at B&C Educational, we believe in teaching through place.


Places are where geography happens, where people and their environment (human and physical geography) interact to produce distinctive regions. 


We believe that this approach helps children appreciate how the human and physical characteristics of the place work together, providing a multi-dimensional view rather than a stereotypical one based on a single story. Naples is more than its volcano; the Amazon Basin is more than deforestation.

Spatial units recognised by the National Curriculum for geography

How B&C Educational can help your school

Individual schools or cluster groups often contact us explaining they are happy with their geography provision but can’t find those final units that would make their curriculum unique to their children. Many feel that their children should learn about a small area, a region and the local area where they live, as well as studying places further afield in the UK, Europe and beyond. 


Some of the units we have been asked to write for schools include The West Midlands, The North East, The Lake District, The Peak District, South West England and The Scottish Isles, and we have created units for over a hundred local areas. 


Three bespoke units created by B&C Educational

If you’ve identified parts of the curriculum where extra support might be useful, then we’re the ideal people to help. With over 25 years’ experience in education and a passion for geography, we can source all the information and resources you need, so that you can focus on the teaching itself.


To find out more, please visit our website (www.bandceducational.com) or contact us by emailing b-cltd@hotmail.co.uk or phoning 07966 379621.


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