History at Fordbridge

History at Fordbridge is built upon imaginative, child led enquiry lessons which aims to inspire children’s curiosity of the past. Through investigation and enquiry, children develop a deeper understanding of how History has had an impact on our lives today both locally, nationally and internationally. Whilst it is important for children to have facts, we encourage independent and critical thinking which will foster an understanding of ‘why’ as well as ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘when’ and ‘where’. During lessons, there is time for discussion and debate, fostering an environment of enquiry enabling children to revise and justify opinions, as well as encouraging children to ask, as well as answer questions about history.

At Fordbridge, children gain a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to present day and are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this is the need to look at world history. The children explore the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece and the Mayans, developing their understanding of trends over time and across concurrent civilisations.

Each history unit throughout the school incorporates opportunities for children to investigate, handle artefacts, pictorial evidence, watch historical footage, take part in role play activities and where appropriate visit relevant sites and museums. At Fordbridge, we believe that hands on experiences and trips are highly valuable for cementing historical understanding and bringing history to life.

Geography at Fordbridge

Geography is a rich and diverse subject that equips children with knowledge about diverse places, people, resources and the environment, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes. At Fordbridge, Geography is an investigative subject which is taught in a creative and inspiring way to ensure children develop interest and fascination of the world. Whilst the importance of geographical knowledge is recognised at Fordbridge, we also wish to enable children to become lifelong geographers who have the skills and attitudes to continue to appreciate the world around them.

Children are able to build upon their geographical skills and understanding through practical experience; collecting, analysing and communicating a wide range of geographical information. At Fordbridge, we work closely with the local community by conducting various fieldwork activities where children map, sketch, measure and record using different equipment. This practical approach enables children to make links between outdoor fieldwork skills and tasks in class and draw links between different areas of Geography. It also ensures children develop relationships and respect for the area they go to school in.

Our children also develop their positional and locational knowledge of global places, particularly in other continents, e.g. India, China, Spain, Brazil. In lessons, children use a range of sources including atlases, maps, globes, aerial photographs and ICT to develop place knowledge. Children have regular opportunities to investigate, compare and contrast difference places and processes to develop a deeper understanding of how the world works.

At Fordbridge, children have opportunities to visit a variety of places to ensure children have a range of geographical learning experiences outside of the classroom. Examples of exciting opportunities we offer children at Fordbridge include: the seaside, the farm, the castle, various museums and much more.