St Aidan's Catholic Primary Academy

Our Vision for History and Geography

At St. Aidan’s, we aim to create global citizens who are aware of the past, present and future of the world around them. We believe that high-quality history lessons encourage critical thinking; enhance the ability to weigh evidence and generate arguments; develop chronological understanding and allow pupils to develop their sense of perspective. Through the teaching of History, we endeavour to teach children to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identities. Our Geography curriculum encourages children to appreciate the diversity in the world among peoples and environments, developing tolerance, respect and compassion towards their global community. It aims to equip children with the knowledge and understanding of the world, people, places and environment which includes the characteristics of range of the world’s most significant human and physical features. Within our curriculum we seek to equip children with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to think creatively and critically, to investigate and ask questions to enable them to gain a greater understanding, knowledge and appreciation of the world and their place in it.

Our aims: The measure of success will be our pupils developing as lifelong learners and confident, responsible individuals who contribute positively to society. We will strive for excellence in all aspects of our work.

This means: Valuing all pupils and staff as individuals, celebrating diversity and promoting equality, living our lives according to our Mission Statement.

• All lessons across history and geography focus on developing pupils’ knowledge and understanding, communication skills, enquiry and information handling, as well as interpretation and evaluation.
• Pupils are encouraged to seek out information themselves, through fieldwork outside of the classroom, and through group investigations using teachers’ guidance.
• The geography and history staff team are lifelong learners, committed to continuing professional development, through both internal and external opportunities.
• Ensuring frequent formal and informal assessments which allow pupils to know how they are progressing, also allows the teachers to plan according to the specific needs of their classes and individual pupils.