History & Geography

At St Joseph’s we believe that children should have a knowledge and understanding of the past and how it has formed the present. History will be used to enrich the pupils understanding of where they have come from within the wider global community. It promotes a love for learning about their past and develops their hopes for the future.

Having good transport links to Central London, we have taken advantage of the many museums and places of interest for trips to supplement the teaching of the topics.

We have had memorable trips to Churchill’s War Rooms, Crystal Palace Park, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum, as well as Houses of Parliament.

Where possible, History will be taught in a cross-curricular way. The expectations for writing from English will be expected in the teaching of the wider curriculum. There are plenty of opportunities to apply core skills in history, through research, presentation of information and general problem solving skills.

In History, the pupils should develop their investigative skills by considering how events in the past have impacted on today’s society. Their knowledge will be led by their own inquisitiveness, which should lead them to what they want to know. They will be exposed to a rich set of topics in order for them to want to find out more on their own. They will have a strong understanding of the history of where they live, and where they have come from.

Pupils are encouraged to question their knowledge, thoughts and beliefs, as well as research independently to find their answers. We encourage our pupils to become independent in their learning by giving them the confidence to ask questions and skills to research their own ideas and beliefs.

We welcome parental involvement and encourage parents to visit museums, historical places and local landmarks related to the topics. Activities like this, help children to deepen their understanding and knowledge.

Our pupils know that they are living through history and they can have a positive impact on the present and future.

Mrs M Winters                                                                                                                                                                             History Lead

 

At St Joseph’s we endeavour to provide a broad curriculum where Geography will be used to enrich the pupils understanding of where they have come from within the wider global community. They will be used to develop a love for learning and develop their hopes for the future.

Having good transport links to Central London, we have taken advantage of the many museums and places of interest for trips to supplement the teaching of the topics. We have visited different localities and compared rural and city environments.

Where possible, Geography will be taught in a cross-curricular way. The expectations for writing from English will be expected in the teaching of the wider curriculum. There are numerous opportunities to develop skills in Geography, whilst providing additional opportunities to link writing, maths, art, design and technology and Science.

In Geography the pupils will develop the knowledge and skills to ensure they have an understanding of how the world works. Whether above land, or below. They will be able to understand the effects of humans and how our planet was, and is, changing over time. We offer a high-quality geography education to develop pupil’s curiosity and fascination about the world and its people, that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Our curriculum equips pupils 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.

Pupils are encouraged to question their knowledge, thoughts and ideas, as well as research independently to find answers. Pupils develop and use core skills from as well as investigative thinking from Science, in researching and presenting their outcomes.

Through whole school projects, we celebrate the diversity of the school and encourage the pupils to research their own heritage and what makes where they are from special.

The skills we teach them are transferable and developed to ensure the pupils become independent in researching their enquiries. We encourage the pupil voice in all areas.

We encourage parents/carers to get involved with children’s learning by visiting some of the local landmarks related to the current topic and encouraging them to lead their own research in an area of their interest. Share books and resources with them, ask what they are learning. Show a genuine interest in their learning to maintain that dialogue with them. Children will be encouraged to develop an interest in Geography whilst developing their skills and knowledge of human, physical geography.

Miss S De Melo
Geography Lead