National Curriculum of England

Humanities – KS1

Here's an overview of Key Stage 1 (KS1) in History and Geography:

History (KS1): Key Stage 1 History introduces young students to the concept of the past and helps them develop a sense of chronology. The curriculum often covers topics such as:

1. Changes within Living Memory: Students learn about changes that have occurred within their own lifetime or the lifetime of their grandparents. They may explore topics such as technology, transportation, communication, or local changes.

2. Significant Individuals and Events: Students study the lives and achievements of significant individuals and important events from the past. This may include historical figures such as Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole, Rosa Parks, or events such as the Great Fire of London.

3. Local History: Students explore the history of their local area, including the study of local landmarks, buildings, and community traditions. They may learn about the development of their town or city, changes in local industries, or notable events that have occurred.

4. Historical Vocabulary and Concepts: Students develop a basic understanding of historical vocabulary and concepts such as past and present, chronology, sources, and artifacts. They are introduced to the idea of historical sources and begin to understand that information about the past can be found in different places.

Geography (KS1): Key Stage 1 Geography introduces young students to basic geographical concepts and helps them develop a sense of place and their environment. The curriculum often covers topics such as:

1. Locational Knowledge: Students learn about their own location, including their country, city, and immediate surroundings. They also explore basic map skills and begin to understand the concept of a globe.

2. Physical Geography: Students study basic physical features of the Earth, such as mountains, rivers, oceans, and different types of weather. They learn to identify and describe these features and their characteristics.

3. Human Geography: Students explore the human aspects of geography, including the study of communities, homes, schools, and different types of jobs. They learn about basic human needs, cultural diversity, and how people interact with their environment.

4. Environmental Awareness: Students develop an awareness of the environment and the need to care for it. They learn about basic environmental concepts such as recycling, conservation, and the importance of protecting natural resources.

5. Fieldwork and Observational Skills: Students engage in simple fieldwork activities, such as exploring their school grounds or local park. They develop basic observational skills, asking questions, and making simple observations about the environment.

Throughout KS1, both History and Geography aim to stimulate students' curiosity, encourage them to ask questions about the world around them, and develop their ability to observe and describe their surroundings.

Humanities KS2

Here's an overview of Key Stage 2 (KS2) in History and Geography:

History (KS2): Key Stage 2 History builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills developed in Key Stage 1. It aims to provide students with a broader understanding of historical events, periods, and civilizations. The curriculum often covers topics such as:

1. Ancient Civilizations: Students learn about ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Mayans. They explore their daily life, beliefs, achievements, and their impact on subsequent societies.

2. British History: The curriculum includes the study of significant periods in British history, such as the Roman invasion, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Norman Conquest, Tudors, Stuarts, Industrial Revolution, and World War II. Students explore key events, individuals, and social, economic, and political changes.

3. World History: Students are introduced to major world events and civilizations beyond Britain. They learn about topics like the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Indus Valley, China, and the Aztecs. They also study significant events like the Renaissance, the Age of Exploration, and the impact of colonization.

4. Historical Skills: The curriculum focuses on developing historical skills such as analyzing primary and secondary sources, interpreting historical evidence, constructing arguments, and understanding cause and effect. Students are encouraged to investigate and research historical topics using a variety of sources.

Geography (KS2): Key Stage 2 Geography aims to develop students' understanding of the physical and human aspects of the world. The curriculum often covers topics such as:

1. Location Knowledge: Students learn about continents, countries, and major cities, using maps, globes, and atlases. They develop their understanding of latitude, longitude, and key geographical features.

2. Physical Geography: Students explore the Earth's physical features, including mountains, rivers, coasts, and climates. They learn about ecosystems, weather patterns, and natural hazards. They also investigate the impact of human activities on the environment.

3. Human Geography: The curriculum focuses on human populations, cultures, and societies. Students study topics such as population distribution, migration, settlement patterns, and urbanization. They also explore economic activities, trade, and the impact of globalization.

4. Environmental Sustainability: Students develop an understanding of environmental issues and sustainable development. They explore topics such as climate change, conservation, renewable energy, and the importance of protecting natural resources.

5. Geographical Skills: The curriculum emphasizes the development of geographical skills, including map reading, data interpretation, fieldwork, and using digital technologies to collect and analyze geographic information.

Throughout KS2, both History and Geography encourage students to think critically, make connections between past and present events, and develop a sense of place and global citizenship. The specific content and progression within these subjects may vary depending on the curriculum followed by the school or educational system.

Humanities KS3

Here's an overview of Key Stage 3 (KS3) in History and Geography:

History (KS3): Key Stage 3 History builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in Key Stage 2. It aims to deepen students' understanding of historical events, themes, and concepts. The curriculum often covers topics such as:

1. Medieval and Early Modern History: Students study significant events and developments from the medieval period to the early modern era, including the Norman Conquest, the Crusades, the Black Death, the Renaissance, and the Reformation.

2. Early Modern to Modern History: Students explore key events and changes from the 16th to the 20th century. Topics may include the Tudor and Stuart dynasties, the English Civil War, the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, the French Revolution, and the World Wars.

3. Empires and Global Interactions: The curriculum includes the study of colonialism, imperialism, and the expansion of empires. Students learn about the British Empire, European colonization of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, as well as the impact of these interactions on societies and cultures.

4. Social, Political, and Cultural History: Students examine the social, political, and cultural aspects of different historical periods. They explore topics such as the suffrage movement, the rise of democracy, the impact of industrialization, and the Civil Rights Movement.

5. Historical Skills: The curriculum emphasizes the development of historical skills such as source analysis, interpretation, evaluation of evidence, constructing historical arguments, and research skills. Students engage in critical thinking and independent investigations.

Geography (KS3): Key Stage 3 Geography builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in Key Stage 2. It aims to deepen students' understanding of the physical and human aspects of the world. The curriculum often covers topics such as:

1. Geographical Skills: Students further develop their geographical skills, including map reading, data analysis, fieldwork techniques, and the use of digital technologies for geographic research.

2. Physical Geography: Students study the physical processes and features of the Earth's landscapes. Topics may include tectonic processes, weather and climate systems, ecosystems, rivers and coasts, and the impact of natural hazards.

3. Human Geography: Students explore the human aspects of geography, focusing on population, urbanization, economic activities, development, and global interconnections. They examine issues such as migration, inequality, sustainability, and the impact of human activities on the environment.

4. Environmental Management: The curriculum includes the study of environmental challenges and the importance of sustainable management. Students learn about topics such as climate change, resource management, conservation, and the impact of human actions on ecosystems.

5. Geographical Perspectives: Students develop an understanding of different geographical perspectives, including social, economic, cultural, and political viewpoints. They analyze case studies, make connections between local and global issues, and consider the implications of geographical knowledge in various contexts.

Throughout KS3, both History and Geography encourage students to think critically, analyze different sources of information, evaluate evidence, and develop their research and communication skills. The specific content and progression within these subjects may vary depending on the curriculum followed by the school or educational system.