Geography and History
Geography
Introduction
Geography is embedded into our curriculum through the teaching of cross-curricular units that take an enquiry based approach. This helps to give more purpose to the learning and fosters curiosity and fascination about the world and the human and physical processes that shape it. Teaching of the subject is enriched through physical exploration and practical learning. As children progress through the school our aims are to stimulate the children’s curiosity and fascination through developing their:
- Awareness and knowledge of the world, including distinct locations.
- Understanding the physical and human processes that shape the world, and how these are related to each other.
- Skills in interpreting geographical information through the use of maps, diagrams, aerial photography and globes.
- Understanding of geographical information and processes though cross curricular work including numerical and data handling skills, and writing at length.
- Sense of responsibility and respect towards the world’s natural resources and all its peoples, regardless of race, culture or religion.
Some ideas of how you can help, support and encourage your children at home:
- If you are going on a trip, share the details with your children – have a look on a map to see where it is, and use the site map together to find your way around.
- Talk about news stories about the local area, or even other places in the world.
- Go out and explore! Encourage the children to observe their environment and compare it to other places they see.
History
Introduction
History is also embedded into our curriculum through the teaching of cross-curricular units that take an enquiry based approach. This helps to give more purpose to the learning and encourages the children to kindle their enthusiasm and curiosity to know more about the past. Pupils will be encouraged to enquire about the past and begin to make their own judgements, based on their encounters and developing ability to interpret a variety of historical sources, both in school and further afield. As children progress through the school our aims are to inspire the children to become curious historians through:
- Developing their chronological understanding.
- Learning about the history of Britain and understand how people’s lives have shaped the nation.
- Investigating and understanding the history of the wider world through ancient civilisations.
- Learning and using historical skills to investigate and interpret historical sources.
- Understanding how to use historical sources to present and justify an opinion.
Some ideas of how you can help, support and encourage your children at home:
- Talk to your children about family history to help establish a sense of the past. Perhaps even try to research your family tree.
- First World War – if you have family connected to the war this is a good place to start to talk about the past
Get out and about! There are many places in and around Cambridge to visit and find out about the history of this area and also the world. In Cambridge the Fitzwilliam Museum has free entry and a wealth of history to explore. Have a look at the www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/things-to-do/Cambridge website for some ideas of places to go.
