Children are taught through an enquiry-based approach to apply the skills they have learned to develop an understanding of the world around them as they study different places and times. They use mind maps and individual Learning Journey Portfolios to record their learning and they also make class Learning Journal to demonstrate the activities that they have undertaken in Geography and History lessons.
Both Geography and History subjects are taught as topics and are linked to other curriculum areas. As well as the knowledge that the children gain of the place or time that they are studying, the also develop their skills in each area. In History, the skills are broken down into: chronological understanding, historical enquiry and historical interpretation. In Geography, the skills are broken down into: Location and mapping skills, human and physical features and field work.
We make good use of our local environment and museums, galleries and exhibitions in Central London and children regularly visit Horton Kirby Environmental Centre in Kent.
We regularly review the curriculum to make sure that it is both creative and relevant to our children. The children will be involved in making decisions about how they learn about a topic and how they then present that learning.
Silvia Barber, Curriculum Team Leader
Geography and History Overview by Year Group
Use the links below to find out more about the topics the children learn in each year group.
Children in Year 1 develop their History and Geography skills through three main topics across the year. Each topic is accompanied by an enquiry question which guides the learning and is answered by pupils drawing together all their learning at the end of the term.
- Toys and Inventors – Are the toys of today better than the toys of the past? Why / why not?
- Homes and Architects – How was your grandparents childhood home different to yours?
- Food Around the World – Why do different fruit and vegetables grow in different places around the world?
Children in Year 2 develop their History and Geography skills through three main topics across the year. Each topic is accompanied by an enquiry question which guides the learning and is answered by pupils drawing together all their learning at the end of the term.
- The Great Fire of London and Famous People - Why wouldn’t the Great Fire of London happen again?
- India - Would you rather live in the capital city of India or the capital city of England?
- Seasides and Famous Explorers (pirates) - Who likes to be beside the seaside?
Children in Year 3 develop their History and Geography skills through three main topics across the year. Each topic is accompanied by an enquiry question which guides the learning and is explored by pupils drawing together all their learning at the end of the term.
- Our Local Area in WWII - The experience of a WWII evacuee - Do I have to go?
- Ancient Egypt - Finders Keepers?
- Amazon Rainforest - Why should we care?
Children in Year 4 develop their History and Geography skills through three main topics across the year. Each topic is accompanied by an enquiry question which guides the learning and is answered by pupils drawing together all their learning at the end of the term.
- Celts and Romans - What did the Romans do for us?
- Greece - What really is so great about the Greeks?
- Caribbean - The Caribbean: Is it really paradise?
Children in Year 5 develop their History and Geography skills through three main topics across the year. Each topic is accompanied by an enquiry question which guides the learning and is answered by pupils drawing together all their learning at the end of the term.
- Anglo Saxons and Vikings - How did the Anglo Saxons and Vikings impact Britain?
- Maya - What was so marvelous about the Maya?
- Rivers, Coasts and Mountains - Where does the river flow?
Children in Year 6 develop their History and Geography skills through three main topics across the year. Each topic is accompanied by an enquiry question which guides the learning and is answered by pupils drawing together all their learning at the end of the term.
- The changing role of the monarchy, Henry VIII / Elizabeth II - Who should have the power and why?
- Stone and Iron Age - What were the changes from the Stone Age to the Iron Age?
- Natural disasters - Quake, rattle and roll: could it happen here?
Geography & History Expectations
Throughout the year, your child’s attainment will be judged against the criteria set out in the year group-equivalent Standard and Expectations. This on-going judgement will identify what children have achieved and what they need to do next.
The expectations for Geography and History are available to download here.
