Foundation Subjects
History
Throughout Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils will become absorbed in a number of History topics that will explore Britain’s past and that of the wider world. They will develop a curiosity to learn more about the past and will become increasingly fluent in asking questions, thinking critically and forming their own arguments and judgements. As they journey through each History unit, pupils will develop their awareness of historical context by recognising where significant historical events, era’s or people occur on a timeline.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1 children will explore topics including ‘The Great Fire of London’, ‘Castles’ and ‘Great Explorers’. They will develop their awareness of how past and present human experiences differ, significant historical events and significant historical figures. For example in the Year 2 topic ‘Explorers’ children will be introduced to Christopher Columbus and Neil Armstrong, investigating why they are remembered today, what they achieved and how they are similar to or different from each other. They will also learn about women who have contributed to historical achievements, for example Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale.
Key Stage 2
In Key Stage 2 children will explore topics throughout Years 3 and 4 including, ’Prehistoric Britain’, from the Stone Age to the Iron Age; ‘The Mayans’; ‘Romans’ and ‘Anglo-Saxon’s’. As pupils move onto Years 5 and 6, they will learn more about ‘Ancient Egypt’; ‘Tudors’; ‘Victorians’; ‘Ancient Greece’ and the ‘World Wars’.
They will develop a deeper understanding of Britain, local and world history and learn to interpret information from a range of historical sources. We have developed our History curriculum ensuring it is chronological as pupils move from Year 3 to Year 6.
Geography
Pupils engage in a variety of Geography topics across Key Stage 1 and 2. These will allow pupils to study places, the human and physical geography that shape them as well as the people who live in them.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, pupils will explore, topics such as ‘London’, ‘Going on Safari’ and ‘My World and Me!’ They will develop an awareness of different weather patterns; their local area as well as countries across the seven continents. Pupils will also begin to explore geographical locations by using maps, globes and atlases.
Pupils will have the opportunity to compare locations, for example, they will be able to use what they have learned in their local area unit, (London) comparing this life in Kenya (Going on Safari).
Key Stage 2
Pupils in Key Stage 2 will explore topics such as ‘Earning a Living’, ‘Rainforests’, ‘Countries of the World’, ‘U.K’ and ‘Extreme Earth’.
They will develop a deeper understanding of population and cultures across the world, capital cities, and the physical and human features of Great Britain in comparison to other countries across the world as well as learning more about physical geography such as earthquakes and volcanoes.
Art and Design and Design and Technology
Art and Design alongside Design and Technology encompasses skills of creativity, critical thinking and reflection. At St Mary’s, we allow pupils to develop and nurture these important life skills through experimenting, inventing and creating art.
Pupils have participated in a number of creative art projects in recent times, based around a number of themes. These have included religious themes, such as ‘Adoremus’ and ‘The Rosary’ as well as ‘Hymns’.
Art and Design Technology is also integrated into our curriculum through Science, History and Geography. Pupils have built habitats, designed Tudor houses and weaved bags as they learnt about Life in Prehistoric Britain.
Although creativity is at the forefront of these projects so that pupils are encouraged to use and express their own ideas, bringing them to life; art skill and techniques are also a very big focus. Pupils have opportunities to develop and practise a range of skills and techniques in each year group.