History

History shapes who we are. It is in every family story, every building, every painting, map or new archaeological discovery.  Understanding history give us a better understanding of the world, of ourselves, of different places and people. Through the teaching of history, we develop children to think like historians: how to use evidence, develop their questioning, to make interpretations and connections and to understand context.  Above all to understand history is never simple, often controversial and that one view or perspective will never give the whole picture.


Our history curriculum covers a broad spectrum of local, national and worldwide topics within and beyond the National Curriculum. We develop knowledge and understanding (including chronology) alongside skills of enquiry and interpretation.  Our curriculum has been developed with subject specialists, the Historical Association and much research. We build in exciting first-hand experiences ranging from exploring artefacts, pictures, documents and maps to interviewing local residents and interrogating school logbooks.  

We make the most of all the access we have in London to world-class institutions and we embrace the local and community history within our diverse communities. Our curriculum has strong local history elements focusing on events, places and people significant to local area and contexts so our children will cover bespoke local history topics.

 

Geography

Earth is changing rapidly, faster than at any other time in recorded history, and people are more ‘connected’ than ever. Through engagement with global issues such as pollution, climate change and pandemics, children can make choices that can improve the world.

Geography is about developing children’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the world's diverse people, places and environments. Our curriculum helps them understand how places are constantly changing, why they are important and how they are connected. We want children who will ask questions and be critical and creative thinkers who feel empowered to take care of our amazing planet.

Our curriculum progressively builds vocabulary and concepts over time, and we use first-hand experiences and technology as much as possible, to make learning engaging and relevant.  Themes and content are ambitious and have been developed with subject specialists, the Geographical Association and the Royal Geographical Society to go beyond the National Curriculum.

Geography fieldwork and mapping starts from Early Years and moves from understanding of the very local to integral visits to different localities in person and also through virtual exploration in Key Stage 2.

We use enquiry approaches, research, discussion and presentation to get children working together to discuss and debate answers to many geographical big questions such as:

  • What is climate?
  • Will we always have extreme weather? 
  • Will our food ever run out? 
  • Can trade ever be fair? 

 

Thomas's Academy used the Kapow curriculum for History and Geography from September - December 2025 when they transitioned to the Q1E curriculums for History and Geography from January 2026.