The Humanities syllabus at NHP is structured around three core areas: History, Geography, and Theology, Philosophy, and Religion (formerly known as Religious Studies). Starting in Year 5, these subjects are taught by dedicated subject specialists, ensuring that students receive a focused and high-quality education in each discipline. We take great pride in offering a diverse and contemporary curriculum that goes beyond the traditional confines of the UK. Our approach emphasises the importance of an engaging and comprehensive curriculum, enabling children to explore History, Geography, and TPR from a global perspective. This broadens their understanding and appreciation of different cultures, events, and belief systems around the world.
In the Upper School, History, Geography, and TPR are integrated to create a cohesive and interconnected learning experience. These subjects collaborate closely to develop a ‘joined-up approach’ to the Humanities, often using specific locations as thematic anchors for their studies. This interdisciplinary method allows students to examine complex topics from multiple perspectives, enriching their critical thinking and analytical skills. By exploring a region’s historical context, geographical features, and theological or philosophical significance, students gain a deeper and more holistic understanding. This strategy not only enhances their academic knowledge but also fosters a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of human experiences across the globe. Through this approach, we aim to equip our students with the skills and perspectives necessary to navigate and contribute meaningfully to an increasingly interconnected world.
History
History at NHP aims to foster a sense of wonder and awe about the past in children, making historical stories relevant and connected to their future. Our approach to teaching History goes beyond the traditional “read, remember, regurgitate” method; instead, we focus on promoting creative thinking skills. Students are encouraged to question, evaluate, analyse, debate, and experience historical narratives, all while honing their ability to write coherently and fluently. To stimulate natural curiosity and bring History to life, we incorporate a variety of engaging activities such as drama, trips, research projects, inquiries, films, and artefact handling. These hands-on experiences not only make learning more interactive and enjoyable but also help students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the past, connecting it meaningfully to their present and future.
Geography
Discussion and debate are integral to the Geography department’s questioning approach, fostering an environment that leads to independent discovery. We aim to teach Geography in a way that will influence our pupils’ actions for the rest of their lives, encouraging them to be deeply observant and develop a critical understanding of significant concepts such as ‘sustainable development’ and ‘interdependence’. By engaging students in thoughtful discussions and lively debates, we enable them to explore geographic concepts actively and critically. This approach not only enhances their analytical skills but also instils a sense of responsibility and awareness about global issues. Our goal is for students to carry these insights with them, applying their knowledge and understanding to make informed, conscientious decisions throughout their lives. Through this immersive and interactive method, we strive to cultivate geographically literate individuals who are well-prepared to navigate and positively impact an interconnected and ever-changing world.
Theology, Philosophy, Religion
An enquiry-based approach to learning blends comfortably with the NHP mindset. During their time with us in the Lower and Middle School, pupils will focus on each of the main world religions in a four-step process of questioning, engagement, investigation and evaluation. Whilst fostering an ethos of tolerance, open-mindedness, empathy and curiosity, we explore themes such as commitment, family, faith, support, belonging and identity. This also gives the children the opportunity to explore their own sense of faith and spirituality and their personal understanding of God.
In the Upper School, TPR is planned alongside History and Geography and, using locations such as India or China as anchors, pupils explore the impact and importance of religion within the specific context and period of history.
As part of their learning, children will visit a range of different places of worship and meet visiting practitioners and priests from different religions in assemblies and workshops.
Philosophy for Children (P4C)
Philosophy for Children (P4C) is an integral part of NHP’s Thinking School curriculum and is taught to every year group in the school, starting in Reception. P4C is a discussion-based subject designed to encourage children to think critically, caringly, creatively, and collaboratively. The teacher provides the class with a stimulus from which a philosophical question is created. The children then discuss the chosen question, developing their communication skills along with the ability to think and reason independently.
The content of P4C is largely dictated by the children’s responses to the stimuli, fostering a student-centred learning environment. However, teachers also have the flexibility to introduce questions or specific stimuli that guide pupils towards discussing particular philosophical issues. This approach allows the teacher to tailor lessons to the class’s needs, providing opportunities to develop different skills and linking the content to other curriculum areas, especially PSHE and the Humanities. By connecting philosophical discussions with other subjects, we ensure a cohesive and interdisciplinary learning experience.
While P4C promotes a wide range of skills, we particularly aim to develop collaborative learners, independent thinkers, and inquiring minds. Our goal is for pupils to become curious and engaged individuals who are eager to explore and discuss the big and small questions in life. After all, the etymology of Philosophy is the love of knowledge and wisdom, and through P4C, we strive to instil this love in our pupils, encouraging them to seek understanding and wisdom throughout their lives.
