Humanities

History 

At Parkgate House, we promote an enjoyment and enthusiasm for History through practical activity, exploration and discussion. Our curriculum fosters in pupils an interest in the past and its relevance to the present and develops an understanding of key concepts and skills such as enquiry, investigation, analysis, evaluation and presentation. 

By exploring the reliability of sources and evaluating interpretations of the past, we encourage our pupils to develop an inquisitive and analytical mind. Through active and engaging History lessons, visiting workshops and exciting trips to museums and historical sites, we inspire our pupils to formulate their own reflective ideas about the past and instil a desire to delve deeper and look beyond the obvious.  

Our curriculum covers local, national and world history studies, giving pupils the powerful cultural capital that they need to understand the ever-changing world around them. By igniting pupils’ curiosity about the past in the UK and the wider world, pupils appreciate the causation and consequence of change over time, as well as its relevance to the modern day. Putting history into context allows pupils to deepen their knowledge of abstract terms, key vocabulary and significant individuals from the past. Over the course of our History curriculum at Parkgate House, pupils critically develop a wider chronological framework and are able to make vital connections to different historical topics. Cross-curricular connections are also made with subjects such as English, Geography, Art, Science and Music.  

Geography 

Geography is taught at Parkgate House as a great adventure. Our Geography curriculum encourages our pupils to become adventurers, inspiring a curiosity and fascination with the world in which they live. We seek to develop pupils’ understanding of geographical concepts and key skills by exposing them to a wide range of physical, human and environmental Geography topics, from contrasting global studies to local fieldwork projects.   

In order to best prepare our pupils for their futures in our increasingly interconnected world, we strive to equip pupils with a secure understanding of their local community, the wider world and their place in both. During lessons, pupils learn to ask questions and propose solutions to geographical issues on a global scale. Pupils develop their knowledge of other cultures and, in so doing, develop respect and understanding of what it means to be a positive citizen in a diverse and inclusive society. Our Geography curriculum also enables pupils to develop “informed concern” and a sense of responsibility for the environment and sustainability. 

From our Nursery all the way through to the Prep department, enquiry-based learning enables pupils to develop the geographical skills they require for learning and for life. Fieldwork is also a fun and adventurous way to learn and pupils learn to make their own amazing discoveries using geographical skills out in the field, such as mapping, surveying and analysis. Outdoor Learning also forms part of our Early Years curriculum. 

We are proud of the progress our children make as they develop as geographers throughout their time at Parkgate House.