Loving All Our Neighbours

Our Geography vision is to give children a sense of their world at local, national and global scales, understanding the interconnections between people and the environment. We want our children to understand their responsibilities within their own society as well as having an insight into the sustainability of a dynamically changing world. Geography helps us to develop an understanding of places and people and examines the way their development has been shaped by physical and human processes. The study of Geography enables children to understand their immediate surroundings, the wider world and to help them to make sense of it. Through the teaching of Geography, children are encouraged to analyse and question the world around them from a physical and a human perspective, and to appreciate the interdependence of the physical environment and human development. Sustainable development is included as part of the Geography curriculum.

Children need to be prepared for a life where they will live and work with a variety of people. We believe that Geography can help pupils develop tolerant attitudes to different cultures and provide a global perspective and dimension to their learning.

We want all children to have the opportunity to explore the immediate local area, to visit places of educational interest and interact with visitors in school to enrich their experience of topics.

When teaching Geography our aims are:

 - to provide a range of experiences from which the children can develop the relevant geographical skills, knowledge and understanding to equip them to think critically, think spatially, use maps and visual images, analyse and present information

- to encourage and develop the children's interest in the wider world through firsthand experience and the complementary use of secondary sources

- to develop children's sense of identity, within both local and wider perspectives, thus enhancing their understanding and sensitivity towards the Earth and its peoples

We appreciate that children need to develop a series of geographical skills in order to help them make sense of the world around them. These include being able to:

- make, read and interpret maps

- use and interpret globes and atlases

- use a range of fieldwork techniques

- follow or develop a line of enquiry, such as asking the right questions, drawing conclusions and communicating findings

- identify features that give a place its identity

- use ICT to gain access to information and to assist in handling evidence and data

In addition, during the annual upper KS2 residential field trip, pupils spend time practising practical geographical fieldwork skills.

Our History vision is to inspire pupils to be increasingly curious about the past.  History helps pupils to understand the process of change, the diversity of societies as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.

Our History teaching equips children to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments and develop perspective and judgement.

History is taught within an environment that encourages pupils to become resourceful in their approach to work, and to build on basic skills as they progress through the various units and projects offered. 

We aim to capitalise on our location and organise excursions to some of the historical locations in and around Norfolk.  Some classes arrange visiting specialists who operate themed events within the school, bringing history to life. We believe that the people in the community are a very valuable historical resource and we take every opportunity to draw on their memories, artefacts and skills.

When teaching History our aims are:

 - to provide a balanced approach to the teaching and learning of History, enabling all pupils to enjoy the subject

- to stimulate all children's interest in the past and how it has shaped their lives today

- to help children become aware of historical, social and ethnic aspects of the local environment and of the world, enabling them to develop a sense of identity and an understanding of other cultures' pasts 

- to develop the children's historical knowledge and skills and to develop a sense of chronology

- to help prepare children for adult life in a democratic society