Humanities (History, Geography and Religious Studies)

At Kettlefields Primary school, we follow the Opening Worlds Humanities curriculum in key stage 2.

'Each subject curriculum and its associated teaching approaches needs to secure the highest possible quality of education for pupils. Four closely related curricular attributes – scope, rigour, coherence and sequencing – are our measures of quality. These four curriculum attributes are the means and measure of strong curricula because they ensure that the subject properly reflects the academic practices, outside of school, to which the subject refers and they ensure that this is organised in the best way to allow pupils to make progress and to thrive in their study of the subject.'

Children study both substantive content and disciplinary content in history, geography and religious studies. Topics have been carefully chosen so links in learning can be made across subject areas, within subject areas and built upon each year. The scheme is vocabulary rich and aids children's literacy skills as well as building a strong base in the humanities.

Although Opening Worlds currently do not produce a key stage 1 curriculum, we have used a similar approach to the topics we teach across key stage 1. Children's interests are fostered, links are made between learning and topics are vocabulary rich thus building children's literacy skills alongside their geographical, historical and religious understanding.

History

Intent- We believe that a well-rounded History curriculum will allow children to gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. In addition to this, we recognise the important role that History plays in preparing our children with skills that they can use for life, raising their aspirations, understanding how to be a good and responsible citizen, understanding change and societal development and a context in which to understand themselves and others. This is extremely important for children at Kettlefields in allowing them access to a much wider world. Through our History curriculum, we strive to inspire pupils’ curiosity about the past and to know more about the past. Our curriculum provides children with opportunities to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. We believe that teaching History in this way is important in broadening children's horizons, challenging preconceived ideas and developing life skills in order to prepare them for high school and beyond.

Our aim is for all children have a basic understanding of key periods in history and to learn to ask questions about why things have happened in the past and the impact of those events.

This vision is achieved by:

• A curriculum that builds on an understanding of chronology/key periods
• A curriculum that promotes children’s curiosity and a desire to ask questions
• A curriculum that develops an appreciation of the influences of the past

Geography

Intent: Our Geography curriculum has the aim of inspiring in pupils a curiosity, fascination, awe and wonder about the world and the people that live in it, that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. We believe that our Geography curriculum is fundamental in broadening our pupils experiences, their understanding of the wonders of our world and giving them a broader knowledge that they can draw upon to help them achieve in other subjects and throughout their lives. Teaching equips children with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. As children progress, their growing knowledge about the world helps them to deepen their understanding of the interaction between physical and human processes, and of the formation and use of landscapes and environments. Geographical knowledge, understanding and skills provide the frameworks and approaches that explain how the Earth’s features at different scales are shaped, interconnected and change over time.

Religious Studies

Intent: Our R.E. curriculum is designed to engage, enthuse and develop understanding of the faiths practised in their own local area, country and throughout the world. We believe it is an essential area of study which ensures children are well prepared for life where there are a multitude of beliefs and viewpoints. The depth and breadth of study informs children and develops their understanding world faiths and other beliefs by exploring their commonality and diversity. We believe that children should be encouraged to develop resilient responses to stereotypes, division and misunderstanding in a safe and open learning environment. 

We aim to provide our children with religious literacy where they will develop their knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other religious traditions and beliefs. This will give pupils the skills to flourish both within their own community and as members of a diverse and global society. 

We will support pupils to:

 - Develop awareness of fundamental questions raised by human experiences and how religion relates to them.

 - Reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences in light of their study. 

During each Key Stage we promote the attitudes which are fundamental to religious study: curiosity and wonder, respect, open-mindedness and enquiry. This links closely to the promotion British values and SMSC implemented throughout the school.

We have developed close links with the two local churches in the community by taking part in services and festivals such as remembrance, Christmas and Easter as well as inviting the 'Open the book' and GenR8 into school to deliver Christian stories and key messages. 

Visits to diverse places  of worship and visitors representing different religions provide first hand experiences for our children to further spark their interest and develop deeper understanding.