Topic/Humanities

Intent

At Grange we have a thematic approach to learning in this subject area. With our younger pupils, Topic aims to develop our pupils’ imagination and curiosity by providing exciting stimulus and contexts, allowing them to explore themes through pupil led learning to gain a better understanding of the world around them. Topic incorporates a combination of all curriculum areas in particular the Humanities, Science, English, Maths and Art.

For our older pupils, Humanities consists of History, Geography and RE. It is a subject area rich in global, national and local information that is used to explore the social and cultural world around our pupils. We want to broaden our pupils’ understanding of people’s lives, the process of change over time and its links to modern society as well as unravel the diversity within society and the relationships between different groups. Where possible, Humanities will encourage pupils to become critical thinkers through discussions and encourage them to question the world around them. It will equip them with the ability to observe and question injustices, carry out research, share ideas and opinions and present viewpoints. Building blocks are taken from the national curriculum and used in line with pupils’ ability and interest level. Our aim is to give our pupils an increased awareness of local, regional, national and global issues and its impact on their lives now and in the future. We want our pupils to show empathy for the world around them.

Implementation

In both Topic and Humanities, the emphasis of teaching will be on discussion, sharing of views and opinions and developing knowledge of issues in the context of cultural, social and the environment. This will be further supplemented by form time discussions, assemblies, theme days, learning outside the classroom opportunities, visits or workshops/ speakers coming into school.

Impact

There is no formal assessment for this subject, pupils will be equipped with understanding of the world in order to enable them to take this knowledge with them into adult life. We hope to give them the skills to lead responsible lives in a diverse world, to be good citizens showing empathy to different communities. Evidence of progress will be document by the pupils’ work, on evidence me and through the Grange Steps.