History

The aims of the History curriculum are:

• To learn about the historical development of the world.

• To introduce the skills involved in understanding and interpreting the past.

• To learn to distinguish between historical fact and interpretation and to draw
  conclusions based upon a respect for evidence.

In Key Stage 1, the children look for similarities and differences between life today and in the past and use common words associated with the passing of time. They learn about how their childhood is different from that of their parents. They consider how toys, transport and homes have changed.

In Key Stage 2,the history topics are as follows:

• Year 3: Ancient Egypt
• Year 4: Ancient Rome
• Year 5: Explorers and Discovers and the Aztecs
• Year 6: Ancient Greece and the Second World War

The children discuss why things happened or changed and the results of events. They carry out historical enquiries using a variety of sources of information and look at how and why the past is interpreted in different ways.

Geography

Geography teaching in the Junior School offers opportunities to: Stimulate children's interest in their surroundings and in the variety of human and physical conditions on the Earth's surface.  

• Foster children's sense of wonder at the beauty of the world around them.

• Help children to develop an informed concern about the quality of the environment and the future of the human habitat.

• Enhance children's sense of responsibility for the care of the earth and its people.

In Key Stage 1, Geography is about developing knowledge, skills and understanding relating to the children's own environment and the people who live there as well as developing an awareness of the wider world.  In Key Stage 2, Geography is about developing knowledge, skills and understanding relating to people, places and environments and an appreciation of how places relate to each other and the wider world. At Key Stage 2, the following study units are covered:

Year 3:

• A local study, including environmental issues and mapping.
• India
• Weather

Year 4:

• Deserts; local and worldwide.
• A contrasting locality; St. Lucia.

Year 5:

• Urban and rural Egypt, including a focus on the River Nile.

Year 6:

• Environmental Issues and Sustainable Development, including a focus on water.
• The Geography of the Greek world

Map skills and atlas work are covered in all year groups.