Humanities

History

We view history as a way of encouraging pupils to become detectives who explore the past in a variety of exciting ways. At Smallwood history allows children to investigate a wide range of sources from which the past may come alive and inspire the children to want to find out more about times gone by. History allows our children to compare and contrast; examine how and why things have changed; learn about historical figures and expand their research skills.

Our history curriculum is designed to allow children to gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. We want our children to understand how people have lived in the past and compare this to life in modern times. We encourage first-hand experiences through handling real artefacts and historical documents, and wherever possible, we arrange fieldwork visits to relevant sites of historical interest.

During Spring 1, every class in the school will also study an aspect of local history to develop and enhance their skills as a historian. 

Geography

Here at Smallwood we consider Geography to be a rich and diverse subject that gives children the opportunity to learn about a range of places, people, resources and environments. We aim to inspire a curiosity and fascination about the world from an early age. As part of the geography curriculum here at Smallwood, children will develop knowledge about the world, the United Kingdom and their locality. They will learn and understand basic subject-specific vocabulary relating to human and physical geography and begin to use geographical skills, including first-hand observation, to enhance their locational awareness. In KS2 children will extend their knowledge and understanding beyond the local area to include the United Kingdom, Europe, North and South America. This will include the location and characteristics of a range of the world’s most significant human and physical features.

During Summer 2, every class in school will study a different country or continent in depth to enhance and develop their locational and place knowledge; geography and fieldwork skills and understanding of key aspects of human and physical geography.