Where do peanuts come from? Why do people give things up in Lent? Did anyone live in North America before people arrived there from Europe? The aim of our Humanities curriculum is to answer these and many other questions, giving children a deeper understanding of the world in which they live and opening their eyes to the wonders of the natural world.

Geography
In our Geography curriculum we teach core skills such as how to read a map so you don't end up miles from where you're supposed to be! We study places and environmental issues both locally and around the world, using fieldwork and practical activities to bring the subject alive. For example, Nursery children walk to the local post box, café and play area as part of their work on Neighbourhoods. Children in Year 1 visit Bristol Zoo's 'Rainforest' and 'Savannah' rooms while learning about Africa and Year 4 children carry out a traffic survey as part of their study of transport.

History
It's not hard to find the past at The Paragon - we're based in a Georgian family house within walking distance of Bath's Roman remains and excellent museums. We use both to help children discover what life was like long ago, bringing the past alive through drama, role play and stories. Younger children study topics such as castles, homes and Native American Indians. From Year 3, History is taught chronologically so children gain a real understanding of the passage of time. As in Geography, there are lots of interesting trips including visits to the Roman remains at Caerleon, The Houses of Parliament, and the Mary Rose in Portsmouth.

Religious Education
In studying Christianity we bring Bible stories to life through discussion and role play, as well as looking at important Christian customs and festivals. Our broad curriculum also covers the other main religions represented in Britain today including Islam, Judaism and Hinduism. We want our children to appreciate diversity and to understand why people believe different things. We also seek to give them a spiritual awareness, sound moral framework and a sense of wonder at the natural world. Our hope is that when they leave The Paragon, they will feel comfortable thinking and talking about the big questions in life - such as birth, death, and creation - and have started the process of looking at life on a deeper level.