History and Geography

At Drapers' Pyrgo Priory School, our Humanities curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world—past, present, and future. Through a diverse range of topics, children are introduced to different places, people, and environments, enabling them to develop a broad and rich knowledge of the world. By integrating the Early Years and National Curriculum with our core values, our ambitious curriculum ensures that all pupils develop key historical and geographical enquiry skills.

Our curriculum follows the key geographical strands of locational knowledge, place knowledge, human and physical geography, and geographical skills and fieldwork. We begin by focusing on the child’s immediate surroundings and gradually expand their understanding as they progress through the school. In EYFS and KS1, children develop a secure knowledge of their local environment, including Drapers' Pyrgo Priory School, Harold Hill, London, and the United Kingdom. They also begin to compare their locality with a contrasting location to develop an early understanding of global connections. In KS2, children extend their geographical knowledge beyond the local area to explore Africa, Asia, and North and South America, studying key human and physical features of these regions.

Our History curriculum provides a structured understanding of the history of Britain and the wider world. Children develop a strong chronological framework of British history, enabling them to make sense of new knowledge and understand the processes of change that have shaped the present. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build historical knowledge, understanding, and skills over time. Pupils explore key historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference, and significance, allowing them to make meaningful connections. We place a strong emphasis on historical vocabulary, ensuring children can articulate their understanding with accuracy and confidence. Additionally, pupils will develop an awareness of different perspectives on the past, fostering respect for diversity and social responsibility. They will leave with a strong understanding of how their local area has evolved and how history has shaped their community today.

We have thoughtfully selected and structured our units to ensure our Humanities curriculum includes diverse narratives and perspectives. By closely linking Geography and History, we provide pupils with a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the world around them.