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Humanities Faculty

At The Croft we aim to deepen the children’s understanding of themselves and the people around them, both in their own communities and those in the wider world; developing their sense of national identity and placing it within a global context.

In teaching pupils about the individuals who have helped shape British society and values, we encourage, promote and develop their sense of time and awareness of change, within and beyond their own. They also learn to appreciate the world they live in, the climates, physical features, people and their culture.

Pupils are encouraged to be expressive and creative in their approach to the learning of Humanities, and to take responsibility for their own learning, to become increasingly independent.

Geography

Geography is the study of the earth's landscapes, peoples, places and environments. It is about the world in which we live, and its ever changing nature.

Prep children are encouraged to further their knowledge and levels of understanding by learning about a wide variety of topics. Geography helps them to see the world from differing perspectives, whilst enabling them to understand larger global issues.

As a subject, Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences (human geography) with the natural sciences (physical geography), and children are given the opportunity to explore both areas within the diverse curriculum on offer. An understanding of the environment and sustainable development helps children to think about their place in the world, and their rights and responsibilities to others.

The children travel the globe in their learning, exploring South America, Asia, Europe and individual countries within Africa. They learn about weather systems and how they impact on our daily lives; about some of the most amazing natural phenomena; discover the 'Restless Earth'; look at ways in which the human race has impacted on the world. These topics give just a flavour of some of the interesting, thought-provoking and stimulating teaching in the Geography syllabus.

Geography will challenge, stimulate and push the boundaries, to enable us all to fully appreciate the wonderful and amazing world in which we live!

Geology

The Croft is fortunate to have a purpose-built Geology Museum on site. The museum is filled to the brim with fascinating minerals, fossils, rocks and other treasures from all over the world for the children to examine and learn about. 

Throughout the year, children will tour and have talks within the Geology Museum in an effort to bring Science and Geography topics to life. In these visits, pupils are encouraged to look at and touch the specimens in order to enhance their understanding of the curriculum. 

In Year 5, students not only study the many captivating objects within this room but also venture out of the school on a ‘fossil finding trip’ to Hock Cliff. Pupils regularly return with pockets full of ammonites, crinoids, belemnites and devil's toenails. Any fossil they find, they keep! 

The late Sam Thornton and the Thornton family have left a lasting legacy at The Croft of embracing and pursuing one’s passions. The Geology Museum is a monument to the passion of the family and is one for which the pupils of The Croft are forever grateful.

History

At The Croft, we aim to bring History alive, with a view to developing a life-long interest in the subject.

Pupils are encouraged to investigate, analyse and debate the events, ideas, characters and conditions of the past. Alongside the attainment of knowledge and understanding, emphasis is placed on the development of pupils' thinking skills through historical enquiry.

A variety of teaching methods are employed, making the best of both traditional and modern approaches. Interactive and audiovisual materials are used, and pupils often have the opportunity to display their work. Handling artefacts, drama and rôle play, visits by professional groups and trips to historic sites are key elements of History at The Croft.

In Prep, each year group focuses on specific historical periods. History in Year 3 begins with an investigation of the Ancient Egyptians followed by Romans and Celts, before moving forward in time to a study of World War II. In Year 4 pupils study the Vikings and Normans. A study of the Mayan civilization is also undertaken. History in Year 5 focuses on the vibrant and exciting period of the Tudors, making use of the rich resource of our local history. The Victorians are investigated by Year 6 before they travel back in time to explore the lives of the Ancient Greeks.

Above all, we hope that lessons are fun and informative, leaving pupils with a sense of curiosity and a desire to find out more.

Religious Education

The Croft is designated as Christian by the Department for Education and RE plays an important part in the curriculum and in School life generally. Grace is said at lunchtimes, using prayers written by the children.

The children learn about a variety of World Faiths, and are also encouraged to consider religious principles in their day-to-day actions. The RE is motivational and involves learning about Religion as well as learning from it. We provide opportunities to explore a range of experiences, particularly those which raise issues of belief and value, meaning and purpose. We are careful to respect and value all children's beliefs and opinions.

Prep children are taught about Christianity at each year group in more depth: for example, Joseph and Moses in Year 3, the Books of the Bible in Year 4, key aspects of the Christian year in Year 5, and moral and world issues in Year 6. Each year group also studies one other World Faith in detail: Judaism/Year 3, Hinduism and Sikhism/Year 4, Islam/Year 5, and Buddhism/Year 6.

Children are taught RE in specially designated timetabled lessons. The teaching is whole class, with some group and individual work. Particular emphasis is given to discussion work in the older year groups. Assemblies are also used for RE focus and teaching. We use a variety of resources to enable the children to gain maximum learning from RE lessons. These range from artefacts, text books, videos, visiting speakers, to the internet for research and information. All children are taught to have a sound knowledge of RE, and also to challenge their own ideas and opinions whilst always respecting those of others.

ISI Inspectors found that our pupils show outstanding spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness, and are able to discuss a variety of moral issues with increasing maturity, particularly in Years 5 and 6. We are encouraging all pupils to be more aware of the cultural diversity of everyday life in Britain through visits from local world faith groups, for example, a Buddhist monk, and considering charities and different cultures in RE, particularly from the Stratford, Warwickshire and Midlands areas.

Alveston Hill, Loxley Road,
Stratford-upon-Avon,
Warwickshire, CV37 7RL

T:01789 293795

map of school location

Dulce et Forte