Humanities

Why Teach Humanities?

Our Humanities curriculum inspires pupils to understand the past, explore the present and consider their role in shaping the future. Through History and Geography, pupils examine connections between people, places and environments, building knowledge of their local community, Britain and the wider world. Hartlepool and Teesside’s industrial heritage provides a meaningful foundation for exploring identity and change. Historical and geographical enquiry develops curiosity, critical thinking and cultural understanding, equipping pupils to evaluate evidence, consider different perspectives and participate as informed, responsible citizens.

Curriculum Intent

The big ideas underpinning our Humanities curriculum are place and identity; connections between people and environments; human and physical processes; sustainability; chronology; cause and consequence; continuity and change; and historical significance. Through these concepts, pupils develop an understanding of how the world has changed, how societies and environments are connected, and how evidence and different perspectives shape our understanding.

Curriculum Implementation

Humanities follows a sequenced spiral curriculum that deepens knowledge, enquiry skills and independence through:

• Enquiry questions that guide historical and geographical investigations.
• Explicit teaching, modelling and support adapted to pupils’ needs.
• Historical sources, maps, data and fieldwork.
• Vocabulary development through reading, discussion and writing.
• Local studies and visits connecting learning to the wider world.
• Retrieval and assessment to consolidate learning and address misconceptions.

Curriculum Impact

By the end of their humanities journey, pupils will retain and apply secure knowledge of local, British and world history and geography. They will use chronology, historical sources, maps and data with increasing confidence to explain change, geographical processes and connections between people and environments. Pupils will evaluate evidence, consider different interpretations and communicate reasoned conclusions. They will demonstrate curiosity, critical thinking and growing independence, using their understanding to make informed decisions about the world around them.