Humanities

Intent

The aim of teaching Humanities at Darnhall is to foster a sense of wonder about the past and how events and people in history have impacted how we live today. We also aim to give them a sense of awe at the enormity and scope of the world and the many cultures and communities that live alongside them. This will then inspire the children to make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world and become global citizens.

Studying Humanities enables children to explore their own place in the world and builds on their own experiences to investigate places at all scales, from the personal to the global and including the past, present and future.

Implementation

To ensure the vision for Humanities is fully met. It is important that the children have the opportunity to expand their geographical and historical horizons outside of lessons, thus ensuring they have a rich cultural capital that will see them through Darnhall and beyond. This is achieved in a number of ways. Firstly, vibrant working walls are used in each classroom displaying vocabulary, key learning and showcase children's work. Throughout the school year assemblies are held with both a geographical and historical focus: including recycling, Remembrance Day, Earth Day and Rights Respecting Schools. 

Geography

To enhance our geography curriculum we offer a wide range of themed days throughout the school year. This supports learning by bringing the subject to life and ensures that pupils learn about not only their own country and its culture but also those on each of the seven continents. Each child from Year 1 to Year 6 is given a passport book and visits a country on that continent. They will learn all about the language, festivals and celebrations, traditions and customs and also the geographic location, features and climate. Nursery is able to access these enrichment days through visiting The North Pole; using ice and water play, visiting Africa; using sand and outdoor resources and Asia; using a festival focus such as Chinese New Year. Reception visit countries that link in with their curriculum and meet Early Learning Goals.

This initiative has been hugely successful and enriched the children's vocabulary, place knowledge, cultural impacts and global awareness. 

History

Teaching key stage skills  and supporting children in their learning with visits, visitors and quality resources ensures that their topics are brought alive. Cross curricular learning also enriches the curriculum and offers a deeper understanding of chronology, ability to analyse and interpret, and a wider comprehension of how events have impacted the modern world. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary, culture and the ethos of the period. 

Early Years

In Early years activities are planned in relation to "Understanding the World". Children's progress and achievements are assessed against the Early learning Goals at the end of reception. History in the early years is very much focused on the memories of the child. They may be asked to remember a special event or routine or custom for their family. They will talk about differences between different family members or different generations. Activities are planned in a cross curricular way through topic areas that are engaging and enjoyable. Children will learn about the seasons, weather and buildings and features in their local area. They will learn through first- hand experiences to explore, problem solve and think critically; talking about people, plants and creatures in their natural environment. Darnhall children spend time every week in our Forest School, which enhances their understanding of the environment. This opportunity enables them to learn and use the key vocabulary that helps them to understand the world around them. 

Key Stage One and Two

During Key stage one and two History is used to develop children's understanding of chronology using appropriate vocabulary and identifying different ways in which the past is represented. Each topic is carefully planned to include regular opportunities for extended writing too. This enables them to use the vocabulary that they have learnt creatively and put themselves in the shoes of others that have walked before them. Links are made between other subjects including English, Science, Art, DT, computing and maths. Children are encouraged to develop location and place knowledge in relation to the UK and The World. They will learn about weather patterns and Hot and Cold regions in the world. All children at Darnhall access Forest School regularly where they are offered opportunities to consolidate their understanding of geographical concepts.

Impact

We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods;

Assessing children's understanding of theme linked vocabulary before and after the unit it taught

Assessment of pupil discussions about thier learning

Quizzes and use of Knowledge Organisers interviewing the pupils about their learning (pupil voice)

Moderation staff meetings where pupils books are scrutinized and there is the opportunity for a dialogue between teachers to understand their class's work

Annual reporting of standards across the curriculum

 Just click on the links below to download and read any of our humanities documents. 

Files to Download