Humanities

The Humanities at St Ives are given a generous weekly timetable allocation.

Geography is about the study of places, the human and physical processes which shape them and the people who live in them. Skills and knowledge developed through Geography help pupils to make sense of their surroundings and the wider world. History at St Ives helps pupils to foster a curiosity about previous times and gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of the past in Britain, as well as further afield. The two subjects begin to be taught separately from Year 2 and by a specialist from Year 3. Prior to Year 2 they are studied through a topic approach, along with Science. Both subjects are enquiry-based.

As children progress through the school, a rich knowledge of history and geography are acquired alongside a progressive repertoire of skills including research and evaluation of sources, fieldwork techniques, critical thinking, identification of  perspective and analysis of trends. In Geography, a variety of map work enhances locational knowledge. In History, periods are taught sequentially to promote chronological awareness. A historical study of an aspect through time encourages children to see connections, cause and consequence, and to identify similarity and change.

Within both Geography and History, emphasis is placed on the importance of expressing understanding and learning in a variety of ways, and on the benefits of integrating technology into the programmes of study. Consequently, St Ives children can be doing anything in a week in their lessons from writing a diary to working with a Geographical Information system, to sending a letter to help a real geographical issue, to role-playing an historical event, deciphering an original source or exploding a volcano!

A summary of topics can be seen below