Humanities
Humanities at Aberdare Town CiW Primary School
At Aberdare Town Church in Wales Primary School, Humanities is a vibrant and essential part of our curriculum. It forms one of the six Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLE) in the Curriculum for Wales, and helps our learners explore the world around them - past, present, and future.
Through Humanities, children develop curiosity and critical thinking by investigating real-world issues and human experiences. This area includes history, geography, religion, values and ethics, and encourages pupils to understand how societies, cultures, and environments have shaped the world we live in today.
Why Humanities Matters
Humanities help children understand the world and their place within it. Through history, geography, and religious education, learners explore how people have lived, worked, and worshipped across time and cultures. This builds empathy, curiosity, and respect for God’s creation and for others, reflecting our Christian ethos of loving our neighbour and valuing every individual.
What Our Learners Experience
Our learners don’t just read about the past - they experience it!
- Trips and Visits: Exploring local heritage sites like Aberdare Park, The Dare Valley Country Park, Rhondda Heritage Park, Garw Nant Visitor Centre or visiting St Fagans to see Welsh history come alive.
- Hands-on Activities: Creating Roman mosaics, identifying ways in which their school environment and community can be improved and becoming agents of change, building model castles, or mapping their own community.
- Faith Connections: Visiting churches and chapels, learning about Christian traditions, and reflecting on how faith has shaped societies.
These experiences make learning memorable and meaningful.
Developing Skills for Life
Humanities nurture critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Learners learn to ask big questions, weigh evidence and form balanced opinions - skills that prepare them for life beyond school. They also develop a sense of stewardship, understanding their responsibility to care for God’s world and work for justice and peace.
Celebrating History
We love to celebrate the richness of our heritage!
- Sharing Understanding: Creating their own museum displaying artefacts from WW2 and sharing this with their families.
- Community Links: Inviting local historians, real life superheroes, national park workers and clergy to share stories of faith, stewardship, bravery, dedication and resilience.
- Creative Projects: Producing art inspired by historical events and Welsh artists, and creating digital presentations to share with families.
Looking Ahead
Humanities learning equips children to be informed, compassionate citizens who value diversity and live out Christian values in a modern world. By understanding history and geography, they can make wise choices for the future, caring for the environment, promoting peace and serving others.