Humanities
Subject Lead: Mrs Paisley
Aims
The fundamental aim of the study of Humanities is to help our pupils develop an understanding of their own lives and the world in which they live. This is achieved through the study of individuals, societies, cultures and the environment.
At Fairfield First, the learning of humanities promotes:
• An understanding of the causes and consequences of change through physical and human actions and processes.
• Knowledge and understanding of people, cultures and events in a variety of places and at different times.
• Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
• A desire to be proactive local and global citizens.
• Skills in questioning, formulating opinions and arguments, making judgements and carrying out investigations.
History
• Knowledge and understanding of chronology - Pupils recognise that the past can be divided into periods of time.
• Develop a range and depth of historical knowledge and understanding- Pupils develop factual knowledge of events, people and changes in the past.
• Interpretations of history - Pupils identify with confidence some of the different ways in which the past is represented.
• Develop historical enquiry skills - Pupils study evidence, ask questions and solve problems.
Geography
• Knowledge and understanding of places - Pupils develop their sense of identity through learning about their locality and the wider world.
• Knowledge and understanding of patterns and processes - Pupils recognise and explain selected physical and human processes.
• Knowledge and understanding of environmental relationships and issues - Pupils describe how people damage or improve the environment (sustainable development).
• Develop geographical skills and vocabulary necessary to carry out effective geographical enquiry.
Organisation
The curriculum is organised into half-termly or termly topics. The choice of contexts in which the curriculum is delivered is designed to allow flexibility and places a strong emphasis on pupils’ starting points, interests and talents. This engenders creativity and allows children to express their understanding and responses to investigative and enquiry based learning in a unique and individual way, embracing preferred learning styles.
In Foundation Stage a continuous planning approach enables the teachers to ensure full coverage of the areas of learning and there is planned progression in all areas. (See Early Years Policy for more detail).
In Key Stage 1 and 2, planning is undertaken by the teachers using Fairfield First School Curriculum documents, which can be found below. These are in line with the ‘National Curriculum 2014’ document. Detailed schemes of work have been compiled and will continue to evolve to ensure progression and breadth across year groups.
Teaching and learning
The curriculum is taught using a cross-curricular approach. Thematic topics provide the basis for making meaningful links between the humanities subjects. When appropriate, these subjects are taught separately. To enhance the learning experience of our pupils, our humanities curriculum acknowledges and incorporates different styles of learning. The knowledge, skills and understanding gained through the humanities curriculum is acquired through a variety of experiences.
These include:
• Educational trips (e.g. Warwick Castle, Harvington Hall)
• Field studies during residential trips (e.g. Malvern)
• Themed Days (e. g. The Royal Wedding, Medieval banquet, The Great Fire of London, Pirate Day, Victorian day)
• Visits from people in the community (eg. The Emergency Services, local residents for locality week)
• Drama and role play – including visiting Theatre Companies.
• The use of primary sources of information (e.g. artefacts, photographs, maps and visitors)
• Story telling
• Practical enquiry and research
• Philosophical discussions and debates
• Individual and group presentations
• The use of Computing
• Creative activities such as model making including handling wood, clay and textiles, sewing, cooking, ICT, painting and collage.
