The humanities encompass the traditional school subjects of history and geography, which are combined and taught together through interconnected themes at Haut-Lac School.
These themes provide infant and primary classes with rich learning experiences, which focus on humanities as learning about places in time rather than as discrete academic subjects. They centre on key concepts and address four main world issues, or ‘C’s: conflict, culture, communication and conservation.
This approach enables learners to understand other people, places, cultures and histories. The themes grow in complexity each year, from a culture “C” on the interaction between people and places in the Arctic Circle in E3 to the issues surrounding the civil rights movement in P5. This ensures a progression in learning as students move through the school.
Developing Critical Thinking
Our bespoke, bilingual ‘Learning Means the World’ curriculum focuses on each learner as a global citizen.
Students are challenged to explore issues people face, analyse different viewpoints, and compare perspectives. This approach places the learner at the heart of humanities teaching, encouraging them to think critically and question their role within the concepts of place and time.
By developing their own opinions and reflecting thoughtfully, they engage in meaningful learning.
Learning From Each Other
Peer-led learning is celebrated at Haut-Lac through regular class swaps.
During these ‘Carousels,’ different-aged classes share their learning by evaluating and comparing the individuals and topics studied within each theme.
A recent swap focusing on the communication ‘C’ saw a P3 class present their understanding of animation to a P2 class. In return, the P2 class taught the P3 students about computer networks.
Making Lessons Real
Humanities at Haut-Lac embraces real-life learning through regular field trips and hands-on experiences.
A recent Greek Day saw P2 classes dress as philosophers and warriors, make Greek salads, and build a Greek temple. Their creativity was further stimulated as they imagined themselves as Greek experts guiding their parents, the ‘Greek novices,’ in the creation of a symbolic peace bracelet to bring peace to their country.
Haut-Lac learners take pride in showcasing their work through displays, maps, chronologies and presentations. During an informal visit to a P3 class, I witnessed an excellent explanation of the Vaud canton’s system of governance during their Law and Order theme. This led to a discussion about various forms of democracy, which I joined. The experience provided a glimpse into the curiosity and student-led learning that defines the school, and I certainly walked away wiser after the visit.
Looking Beyond School
As a result, humanities at Haut-Lac enables learners to better understand their place in the world.
It equips them with the tools and skills to be lifelong learners and global citizens. Humanities encourages them to make sense of the world by exploring human and physical differences and similarities across the globe.
Ultimately, it empowers them to play a positive role in the places and times they will encounter in their lives after school and Haut-Lac.
Tom Chatfield
Humanities Subject Leader