Rushby Mead
Letchworth Garden City
SG6 1RS

01462 620555

Pixmore Junior School

Humanities (History, Geography & RE)

 

At Pixmore, we have devised a creative Humanities curriculum based on the premise that children are most inspired when they have engaged in memorable, creative lessons. In all subjects, skills and knowledge are developed through each year group and across the school. Drama, art, music and dance are used during lessons in preparation for extended writing pieces. Cross-curricular links are made where appropriate. Questions of enquiry are posed at the beginning of each unit and investigated throughout each lesson. 

History

The children will have opportunities to master historical skills within the planned lessons and have ownership and choices within their learning. In addition we will be celebrating individuality by learning about different cultures in the chronological narrative. We will consider how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world. All pupils will investigate, explore and problem solve when carrying out historical enquiries.  They will think analytically when interpreting events and use terms such as ‘continuity and change’ and ‘cause and consequence’. PLP’s will be used with the planned lessons and focused on: noticing, making links, detecting, questioning, resourcing and collaboration. During workshops, themed days and trips the children will experience memorable activities, through which they will both progress their learning and gain a greater understanding of different historical periods.

Geography

Our Geography lessons are designed to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about the world around them. Learning about both human and physical processes equips pupils with the geographical knowledge and skills required to understand how Earth’s features are shaped, interconnected and evolving over time. The children will participate in exciting and memorable opportunities (including workshops, themed days and trips) to master geographical skills and engage with geographical enquiry, which will enable them to develop as inquisitive thinkers, creative individuals and ultimately responsible citizens. Our Geography learning has cross-curricular links as it permeates other subjects, such as History (when learning about Egyptians) and RE as we celebrate individuality by learning about different countries, religions and cultures. PLPs, such as noticing and resourcing, will be used within the planned lessons to enhance the children’s learning. With Quality First Teaching, all children should aspire to achieve high standards in Geography, which will ultimately prepare them for future studies. At Pixmore, we believe that thinking geographically offers a uniquely powerful way of seeing the world and making connections from the local to the global.

 

RE

At Pixmore School, we want children to gain a deeper understanding of what others believe, to be able to think analytically and become religiously and theologically literate. By celebrating individuality at our school, pupils are given opportunities to share their own opinions and experiences. We strive to ensure that our children will be responsible citizens by showing empathy, tolerance and respect when learning about the faith, beliefs, worldviews and cultures of others.

 

History and Geography overview

 

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Aut. 1

Changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age

Celtic Harmony trip  and ‘Pixmore’ Iron Age Village

The achievements of the earliest civilizations: Ancient Egypt

 

Mapping Skills

Mountains and Volcanoes

 

COP Day [Literacy link]

World Geography

Aut. 2

Locational knowledge; climates and countries.

Climate Day

 

 

The achievements of the earliest civilizations: Ancient Egypt

Egyptian Day

 

A study of an aspect or theme in British history extends chronological knowledge beyond 1066-

What the Victorians did for Britain. (How was the Victorian period a significant turning point?)

NB: Reform and Industrial change

Victorian Day

A study of an aspect or theme in British history extends chronological knowledge beyond 1066

(changes in communication)

History of Communication

+ Trip

 

World Geography

 

 

Spr. 1

The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain

Roman workshop

 

Britain’s settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots

Anglo Saxons and Vikings

Anglo Saxon Day

The Americas

Rivers, Coasts and

Seas

River Study

 

Settlements &

European Geography

Spr.

2

The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain

Romans

 

Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor

Anglo Saxons and Vikings

Viking Day

The Americas              

Americas Day

 

Rivers, Coasts and

Seas

 

Settlements &

European Geography

Sum. 1

Study of the local area.

Letchworth Walk

 

Comparative Geography UK vs France/Spain/Italy

 

Going Green

A non-European society: Ancient Maya

Mayan civilization c. AD 900

Sum. 2

Study of the local area.

 

Comparative Geography UK vs France/Spain/Italy

Italian Day

 

Ancient Greece – a study of Greek life and achievements and their influence on the western world

Greek Workshop

A non-European society:

Mayan civilization c. AD 900

Maya Day

 

 

 

RE overview

 

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Aut. 1

Christianity and Islam

 

Stories of key religious leaders

 

Key Christian and Muslim Beliefs and Practices

Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism

 

Hindu Teachings about God

 

Christianity and Judaism

 

Jewish rules for living

Christianity and Buddhism

 

Christian and Buddhist beliefs and practices

 

The Buddha

Aut. 2

Christianity and Islam

 

Stories of key religious leaders

 

Key Christian and Muslim Beliefs and Practices

 

The Christmas Story

Hindu worship and celebration

 

Advent and Christmas around the world.

Light as a symbol

Its importance and significance

 

Hanukkah

Advent and Christmas.

Sacred and secular Christmas

Spr. 1

Events in the Life of Jesus

 

Stories of Jesus

 

 

Introduction to Sikhism and what it means to belong to a religion

 

Celebrations related to key figures in Judaism and Christianity

Expressing faith in art drama and song (Christianity and Buddhism)

Spr. 2

Events in the Life of Jesus

 

Lent and the Easter Story

The importance of sharing food as part of religious worship

 

Easter foods

Easter story

Jesus and the events of Holy Week

 

Passover and Easter

Life of Jesus and his importance for people today

 

Why do Christians remember Jesus at Easter?

Sum. 1

Christianity and Islam

 

Rules and how they influence actions

 

 

Special books and sacred texts in Christianity

Creation stories and ultimate questions

Ideas about God

Sum.2

Christianity and Islam

 

Special places and sacred Spaces

 

Special books and sacred texts from Sikhism and Hinduism

 

Leaders in religious communities

 

Human responsibility for the environment

 

Questions of suffering

Promoting goodness