Humanities

Giving our children the best possible start in life.

In the Humanities Area of Learning and Experience, progression involves the development of five statements of what matters:

1. Enquiry, exploration and investigation inspire curiosity about the world, its past, present and future.

2. Events and human experiences are complex, and are perceived, interpreted and represented in different ways.

3. Our natural world is diverse and dynamic, influenced by processes and human actions.

4. Human societies are complex and diverse, and shaped by human actions and beliefs.

5. Informed, self-aware citizens engage with the challenges and opportunities that face humanity, and are able to take considered and ethical action.

At the heart of our Humanities provision is the aim to awaken a sense of wonder, fire the imagination and inspire our children to grow in knowledge, understanding and wisdom. Our curriculum  stimulates a passion and interest for the world around them and the human and physical processes which help to shape it. At Twynyrodyn we recognise the importance of this AoLE to  engage with the most important issues facing humanity, including sustainability and social change, and help to develop the skills necessary to interpret and articulate the past and the present.

The four purposes are central to our Humanities curriculum. They are the starting point for all decisions on the content and experiences developed as part of our provision to support our children to be:

• ambitious capable learners ready to learn throughout their lives.

• enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work

• ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world

• healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.

At Twynyrodyn Community School we believe that using a concept based model will enhance children’s critical skills, their motivation to learn and their knowledge and understanding of the five statements within Humanities. This approach will encourage children to make links between their content knowledge and the concepts they are learning about, with the AoLE and beyond.  It will inform and develop skills within the four purposes as well as leading children to make an informed decision of the overarching question. The AoLE will be a thought provoking, creative and challenging curriculum with scope for all learners to progress through the progression steps.

Enrichment days and a hook that promotes enthusiasm will be used to engage the children as they experience and explore.  At this point, learners are encouraged to use their imagination and ask questions that will lead to future learning. Following this child-centered approach, lessons are carefully planned and sequenced to allow pupils to pursue answers to the overarching question. Lessons are research based and interactive with a range of resources and artifacts. 

To augment the learning experience education trips are organised and guest speakers (preferably from the local community) will be invited into the school to  ensure the pupils are receiving meaningful learning experiences.

The learning journey will be celebrated throughout the project with an ever evolving display of children’s work and key milestones. This will be used to develop pride and confidence in their own abilities and achievements. For enhanced independent learning, tasks are set during independence time for the learners to explore their own interests within the project.

At the conclusion of each project, and as a celebration of the learners new knowledge and skills, an authentic outcome will be planned and presented for a given audience.

Digital competency along with literacy and numeracy will be present throughout each enquiry while children are learning in a cross-curricular manner. From Year 2 - 6 each child has access to a Chromebook which will enrich the child’s learning experience and enthuse them to become independent learners there by reaching their own learning potential.  

The introduction of Knowledge Organisers as part of the projects has had a positive impact in terms of the subject knowledge of the pupils within this AoLE and their understanding of subject specific vocabulary.  

The projects address the 4 purposes in a clear and engaging way for all learners to access and progress within the progression steps regardless of age or ability. The overarching question provides opportunities to research, investigate and apply knowledge, skills and meaning in a broad and balanced context, across the curriculum. It enthuses learners curiosity and their thirst for knowledge to be able to answer the in a creative and meaningful manner. 

Formative assessment occurs at the conclusion of each project in the form of quizzes and applying their knowledge to blank knowledge organisers. Learners, also share their knowledge and skills in an authentic outcome. Each learner is encouraged to answer the question using the knowledge and skills acquired during the project.