History, Geogrpahy & Religious Education
At Risley we use the ‘Opening World’ humanities curriculum to teach History, Geography and R.E. This curriculum has been designed by Haringey Education Partnership in conjunction with Christine Counsell
The programme is based securely in rich stories and a detailed ‘sense of period’ which ignites pupils’ curiosity and supports literacy skills.
Opening World promotes the subject disciplines associated with history, geography and R.E. There are also three main themes which cut across the curriculum:
- Climate change- understanding it and being prompted to informed, responsible action on various scales
- Multiculturalism and diversity- understanding the origins of diversity, valuing the multiple contributions, contributing positively to harmonious diverse communities, challenging racist assumptions wherever we find them
- Social injustice- hearing the voices of the disadvantaged, the marginalised and oppressed; understanding how power can work; challenging exploitation and injustice.
History
Do you know where democracy came from? Did you know that history stimulates your creativity? Learning about history is learning about ourselves and where we have come from.
Pupils will learn about significant individuals and historical events that have contributed to the world. They will explore different sources, artefacts and events that paint a picture of the past and how it has influenced the present.
Pupils will be encouraged to ask questions, think critically and consider different perspectives around historical events and their impact on communities. History allow pupils to explore and respect diverse societies, customs and beliefs whilst helping them to develop their own opinions and make informed judgements.
Pupils historical knowledge and skills will be transferable across other areas of the curriculum such as Literacy, Maths, Geography, ICT and Art.
Educational visits are another opportunity for the teachers to plan for additional geography learning outside the classroom.
At Risley we learn about different historical eras that have helped to shape our current world. By exploring our past, we can help to mould our future!
Geography
What was Geography like in your school days? Was it all about boring facts and long lists? At Risley Avenue Primary School children are encouraged to investigate and explore the world around them.
Pupils study physical geographical features, diverse places and people as well as natural resources and environmental issues. Geography is all about learning and developing our natural fascination for the world around us.
Pupils at Risley will carry out research on physical features of our planet, and how Earth’s features are shaped and changed over time. By exploring different environments and communities through project led activities, children at Risley will develop the fundamental skills and knowledge to succeed in their educational journey.
Our Geography curriculum is linked across other areas such as Literacy, Maths and Art and provides pupils with practical hands on skills around using maps and atlases. Pupils will develop geographical terminology and key vocabulary to aid them in explaining geographical processes and features.
Through cultural events at our school, children learn about other countries and develop respect and understanding of diverse communities both locally and globally.
We hope that pupils at Risley will persevere and aspire to become active learners and explorers.
Religious Education (R.E.)
Vision and Rationale
Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. Through RE we hope to develop pupil’s knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs, which form part of contemporary society.
Through the teaching of RE, we hope to prepare pupils for adult life, employment and lifelong learning. Our aim is to help children and young people become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.
The knowledge, skills and understanding learned will help them to discern and value truth and understanding. Thus, strengthening their capacity to make moral judgements and the ability to evaluate different types of experiences in making positive and healthy choices.
It is our intention at Risley that our RE lessons will contribute to pupils’ understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and beliefs. We hope to promote shared values and challenge racism and discrimination. In addition, pupils will develop an understanding of different religions of the world and grow tolerance and appreciation for culture, beliefs and the way of life of others.
As a school, we aim to enhance and develop pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural experiences, which will play a significant part in their ability to learn and achieve.
