History and Geography

At Boxford Primary School, our Humanities curriculum inspires curiosity about the world and the people who have shaped it. Through History and Geography, children learn to ask meaningful questions, explore evidence, and make sense of the world around them.

Within History, children develop an understanding of how the past has shaped the present. They explore questions like “How do we know about the past?” and “Why do some events matter more than others?” Through stories, evidence, and discussion, pupils think like historians.

As geographers, children explore the world through questions such as “Why do people live where they do?” and “How do humans affect the environment?” They use fieldwork, maps, and data to investigate real places and global issues.

What do pupils at Boxford think about Geography and History?

“I like that we don’t just get told the answers — we have to figure things out together.”

— Ted

“We used our compasses to find north and then drew maps of our school grounds — it was so much fun!”

— Sophie

“We had to find out why the river floods — we made predictions, looked at maps, and then went to see for ourselves!”

— Noah

Intent

We want every child to:

Develop a sense of identity and connection with their community and the wider world.

Ask thoughtful questions and explore their own ideas.

Be curious about people, places, and the past.

Implementation

Learning in Humanities is enquiry-led. Each unit begins with a big question — for example, “How do we know what happened in the past?” or “What makes a place unique?”

Children investigate using maps, artefacts, images, and stories, learning to gather evidence and draw conclusions. They explore their local area and use real experiences to deepen understanding.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Boxford, they are confident enquirers who:

Think critically and ask perceptive questions.

Understand how people and places are connected.

Recognise their role in shaping the future.