Humanities

Our humanities curriculum is designed to inspire in children a curiosity about the world around them and equip them with the knowledge and skills to think critically and develop perspective. Lessons help pupils gain understanding about processes and events that have shaped both their local and global environments. Our 3is of intent, implementation and impact support a clear sequential building of knowledge and vocabulary. Children also experience the integrated nature of learning through explicit cross curricular links to other subjects.

With the kind support of the PTA, all SASM children have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of trips and experiences. These visits are embedded into the schemes of work, supporting retention of knowledge and vocabulary. Recent trips include Milestone Museum (Yr6 - Victorian Childhood), the Natural History Museum (Yr4 - Volcanoes), Early Man Enactment (Year 3 - Stone Age) and World Wildlife Museum (Yr5 - Natural Resources). These activities reflect our aim to teach humanities with a hands on approach using creative learning opportunities, primary sources and artefacts. Highlights of the year include theme days where children and teachers alike come to school dressed in costumes and enjoy a full day of exciting and creative activities relating to their topic. These might include arts and crafts, cooking, drama or listening to visiting speakers. 

Year groups alternate between discrete geography and history topics each half term, studying a broad range of geographical and historical processes and events. These range from the Maya to the Victorians and from rainforests to mountains. In 2019, ‘A Sense of Place’ week was introduced across the school; its focus was to explicitly link humanities’ topics to pupils’ own identity and locality. Such cultural capital enables our learners to see how they too are part of our curriculum’s narrative - whether it be through surveying local people regarding their use of the River Thames or visiting our Tudor neighbours at Hampton Court Palace.   

 In humanities teaching, we encourage pupils to develop curious minds, asking thoughtful and inquisitive questions. We place a strong emphasis on developing lines of historical enquiry and geographical skills such as mapping and fieldwork.

 Please take a look at some of the outstanding work that has been produced across the school and photographs from our visits.

History Curriculum Overview

Geography Curriculum Overview