Humanities
Humanities: Geography
Intent
At South Molton Community Primary School, we intend for all of our pupils to be global citizens who are fully aware of their own responsibilities of the changing world around them. We aim for each child to be fascinated and inspired by natural and human environments through the exploration and study of people, place, human and physical processes. We understand that Geography provokes curiosity and questions so we intend for children to learn through seeing, doing, and experiencing, as well as making links between the physical and human processes. As a school, we aim to equip each child with the necessary geographical skills and knowledge to undertake their own research through the use of maps, atlases, globes and technology. The children will develop contextual knowledge of the location of globally significant places and understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world, along with how they bring about variation and change over time. Through Geography, we intend to develop the social, cultural and moral awareness and understanding for each child to develop a more inclusive environment for us all. We aim to use our indoor and outdoor areas to further develop the pupils’ geographical skills and understanding of the wonders of the world around them.
Implementation
At South Molton Community Primary School we recognise the importance of Geography and incorporate it within our Knowledge Rich Projects. Throughout each Key Stage, essential skills are taught within the Autumn Term. In the Spring term, the school’s Knowledge Rich Projects focus on Geography as the primary subject and opportunities are given to revisit less secure concepts in the Summer term. The Geography projects are well sequenced to provide a coherent subject scheme that develops children’s geographical knowledge, skills and subject disciplines. The children’s work is recorded in their topic journals to monitor progress. Learning and activities are differentiated to assist the children in terms of adult support, outcomes, tasks, teaching methods and resources. Throughout the school, the children learn through whole class teaching, partner work, group work and fieldwork. Teachers are encouraged to use our outdoor space to support fieldwork and understanding of concepts being taught during lessons. The children also develop their geographical knowledge during whole school assemblies (for example, Fairtrade Fortnight) and during non-electricity days where children learn about matters such as global warming and renewable energy. Recycling and turning lights off in class (when not in use) are also key aspects of our daily routines in school. This is monitored by the school’s Eco Council several times a year.
Independent elements of Geography relating to our locality are also touched upon throughout the year. The children are encouraged to experience and explore concepts that can be applied within their local area. For example, EYFS explore our local area on their annual train ride trip from South Molton to Barnstaple, Year 1 and Year 2 explore a local beach and year groups within KS2 enjoy residential trips, for example, in Exmoor. Local experts and professionals are also invited into school to further develop children’s learning and to highlight the importance of geographical concepts in the real world.
Humanities: History
Intent
At South Molton Community Primary School, we aim for children to develop a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past, as well as the wider world. We encourage children to be inspired and to think critically about historical events and facts. We aim to teach the children about significant events and significant figures so that they are able to have a rich and diverse account of British and world history. As a school, we aim for children to be curious, to question Britain’s past and to analyse, discuss and make connections between historical concepts. The children will be given opportunities to explore historical evidence and will be encouraged to use this to challenge and communicate their viewpoints effectively. At South Molton Community Primary School, we want children to develop a love for History so that they will develop a sense of identity, learn from the successes and mistakes of others and develop an understanding of change and societal development.
Implementation
At South Molton Community Primary School, we recognise the importance of History and incorporate it within our Knowledge Rich Projects. All history projects are taught in the Autumn and Summer terms, with opportunities for the children to revisit historical concepts in some of the Spring term Geography projects. The History projects are well sequenced to provide a coherent subject scheme that develops children’s historical knowledge, skills and subject disciplines. Key aspects and concepts, such as chronology, cause and effect, similarity and difference, significance and hierarchy, are revisited throughout all projects and are developed over time. All projects also develop historical skills based on evidence and historical enquiry. The choice of historical periods follows the guidance set out in the national curriculum, with specific details relating to significant events and individuals chosen to present a rich and diverse account of British and world history. The children’s work is recorded in their journals to monitor progress. Across the school, the children will learn through whole class teaching, partner work and group work. The children will also learn about historical anniversaries and events during whole school assemblies.