Understanding the world begins with looking more closely at the places around us. Year 2 pupils took their geography learning beyond the classroom on an exciting visit to Brighton and Devil’s Dyke, discovering the distinctive landscapes of their local area and seeing first-hand how towns, coastlines and countryside fit together.
The day began at the Brighton i360, where pupils enjoyed spectacular views across Brighton and the surrounding coastline. From above, they were able to see the city from a new perspective, identifying familiar landmarks, observing the relationship between the built environment and the sea, and noticing the features that make Brighton such a distinctive coastal town.
With their geography learning in mind, pupils looked carefully at the landscape below, recording their observations and making notes about the features they could identify. Seeing the area from above helped bring classroom concepts to life, encouraging pupils to think about how places are arranged, how landscapes can be viewed and studied, and how different features contribute to the character of a place.
The adventure continued at Devil’s Dyke, where the busy coastal setting gave way to the open countryside of the South Downs. They observed the natural features around them, considered how the countryside differed from the town and coastline, and recorded details to support their geographical understanding.
Learning outside the classroom also encouraged pupils to develop the practical skills that are central to geography. By observing, asking questions, identifying landmarks and recording what they could see, they began to understand how geographers investigate places and gather information about the world around them. These experiences help children become more confident observers, able to make connections between what they learn in lessons and what they encounter in everyday life.
The visit to Brighton and Devil’s Dyke was a memorable day of exploration, combining geographical discovery with the opportunity to experience the beauty and variety of the local landscape. Year 2 returned with new observations, a deeper understanding of their surroundings and a greater appreciation of the places that make their corner of Sussex so special.
