The Humanities

Prince’s Mead pupils experience a rich and stimulating education in the Humanities. Led by three separate subject specialist Heads of Department delivering distinct lessons in History, Geography and Philosophy and Religion, the school offers both breadth and depth where the aim is to inspire and embed a deep love of learning in this field.

History is taught in a lively and imaginative way at Prince’s Mead. We believe that learning about history is important as it begs the question: How can you know who you are, unless you know where you come from? How can you tell what’s going to happen, unless you know what’s happened before?

History isn’t about the past, it’s about why we are, who we are – and what’s next?
History provides us with a body of knowledge essential to our understanding of the development of the modern world. The information handling skills developed through the study of history have a wide applicability in everyday life. An awareness of our history helps us to become more responsible citizens today and in the future.

Throughout Key Stage 1 and 2, we conduct various trips to places of historical interest such as Fishbourne Palace, Hampton Court, the National Archives, Hyde Abbey and Winchester College Library.

Cross-curricular links to other subjects areas are actively encouraged, for example, in English (with time travel stories to ‘Roman’ times), ICT (with newspaper reports on Boudicca’s revolt) and Design and Technology (by making model Tudor houses).

Mr Alex Macdonald BA Hons, Head of History

Geography is an important subject as it helps children to understand the world around them and gives them certain skills and knowledge which have a wide variety of applications in everyday life
Geography is taught throughout the school by the classroom teacher up to Year 4 and then by a specialist teacher in Years 5 and 6.

The teaching of Geography is achieved using three approaches; whole class teaching, individual consolidation exercises and collaborative group work. Students are encouraged to communicate their findings in a variety of ways, thereby enabling a greater understanding of the many different applications of Geography.

Many trips are made out of school in order to consolidate learning completed in the classroom. Some examples of trips are: Year 5 visit the New Forest Museum and participate in various role playing activities in the Verderer’s Court, Year 4 visit Stubbington and learn about a variety of coastal processes and Year 2 visit Beaulieu and study different types of transport.

Mrs Amanda Wright BEd, Head of Geography

Philosophy & Religion is taught throughout the school, as a dedicated subject from Year 1 upwards, while aspects of religion come into the framework of the Early Years curriculum.

The subject provides opportunities for pupils to explore personal and philosophical aspects of their lives involving a spiritual or moral dimension. Pupils develop knowledge of the beliefs and practices of Christianity and other major world religions. It also allows pupils time for reflection and to relate their home, cultural and life experiences to those of others. Philosophy & Religion should give them information upon which to base future choices in both action and belief.

Prince’s Mead was founded on broadly Christian principles and traditions, which are still integral to the school today. However, we recognise that the United Kingdom is a multi-faceted country with a diverse range of cultures and faith systems and we reflect an understanding of those with different beliefs within our teaching. In our school we have children and teachers brought up in the traditions of other world religions and due consideration is given to those individuals for their beliefs. The teaching of Philosophy & Religion is therefore conducted with care and sensitivity, beginning from the principle of what the children already know and building on this foundation.

 

Miss Kate Merrick, BA Hons – Head of Philosophy & Religion