Humanities Week 2024

Last month, our school celebrated Humanities Week from Monday, 21st October, to Friday, 25th October. Centered on the theme, "Our Local Area: Exploring the Wonders of Merton," the week offered children an exciting opportunity to delve into the history, geography, and culture of our community. With a strong focus on oracy, the week was designed to help children develop speaking and debating skills through engaging activities and hands-on learning.

Highlights of Humanities Week

The week began with a lively assembly on Monday morning, featuring a debate, modelled by staff, on “Is Merton a great place to grow up in?” This stimulating session set the tone for the following days, encouraging children to think critically and express their ideas with confidence.

In Geography, children explored the concept of "wonder," learning about the location and key features of the Seven Wonders of the World and comparing them to the Seven Wonders of Merton. This exercise helped them appreciate the unique geographical characteristics of our local area.

In RE & Worldviews, discussions focused on what makes something wonderful. Children reflected on the wonders in their own lives, exploring their significance and creating presentations and posters to showcase their ideas.

In History, children learned about the historical significance of Merton’s wonders. Younger pupils (EYFS and KS1) created timelines to understand chronology, while older pupils (KS2) took part in debates to determine which of Merton’s Seven Wonders is most important.

The week concluded on Friday afternoon with a spirited class debate, where children passionately defended their chosen “best” Wonder of Merton.

Developing Oracy Skills

Oracy was a core focus throughout the week. Through debates, discussions, and presentations, children refined their ability to communicate clearly and confidently. These activities not only strengthened their communication skills but also boosted their critical thinking and understanding across subjects.

Humanities Week was a tremendous success, and it was wonderful to see the children so engaged and enthusiastic about exploring the wonders of Merton. Thank you to Miss Barnes, Mrs Roach and Mrs Murphy who contributed to making this deep dive into our local area a memorable experience for our school community!