At Collingwood School and Media Arts College, we are passionate about delivering an engaging and ambitious European Studies curriculum that develops pupils’ understanding of the geography, history, cultures and languages of Europe. European Studies is an interdisciplinary subject that combines elements of Geography, History, Languages and Citizenship, allowing pupils to develop a broad understanding of Europe’s diverse people, places and past.

At Collingwood, we want our pupils to leave us with the knowledge, skills and confidence to understand the continent in which they live and the connections between European countries. Through the study of landscapes, cultures, languages, traditions and significant historical events, pupils develop curiosity about the wider world and an appreciation of the diversity that exists across Europe. We encourage pupils to become informed, respectful and responsible global citizens who understand how history and geography continue to shape modern societies.

                      “You are never too small to make a difference.” — Greta Thunberg 

European Studies encourages pupils to investigate how countries have developed over time, how geography influences people’s lives and how culture, language and history contribute to national identity. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, explore evidence, compare different viewpoints and develop informed opinions about significant historical and contemporary issues.

At Collingwood, learning activities are designed to engage, challenge and motivate all learners. Teaching is adapted to meet the individual needs of our pupils, ensuring everyone can access learning and make progress. Lessons include practical activities, research, discussion, language learning, collaborative work, presentations and independent enquiry. A wide range of teaching strategies supports different learning styles while encouraging pupils to become confident, independent learners.

The European Studies curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure knowledge and skills develop progressively throughout each key stage.

In the early years of study, pupils build a secure understanding of the geography, culture and introductory languages of Spain, Germany and France. As their knowledge grows, they explore a wider range of European countries through increasingly complex geographical, historical and citizenship themes. As pupils progress through the curriculum, European Studies expands to include a wider range of countries including France, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Poland, Scandinavia, Greece, Italy and Russia.

Skills in map work, chronology, historical enquiry, research, communication and language learning are revisited and strengthened throughout the curriculum, enabling pupils to make connections between countries, historical events and contemporary Europe.

By the time pupils leave Collingwood School and Media Arts College, they will have developed a secure understanding of Europe’s geography, history, cultures and languages. They will appreciate the diversity of European societies, understand the events that have shaped the modern continent and possess the enquiry, communication and critical thinking skills needed to become informed, respectful and active citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.

Learning explores:

• physical geography, including landscapes, mountains, rivers and climate;
• human geography, including cities, regions, tourism, employment and economies;
• national cultures, traditions, celebrations, food and languages;
• significant historical events and individuals;
• citizenship themes including democracy, dictatorship, equality, human rights and conflict.

Historical topics include:

• Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution
• Bastille Day
• the Spanish Civil War
• the World Wars
• the Holocaust
• the Cold War
• Irish history and the Great Famine
• Viking society
• Ancient Greece
• Alexander the Great
• Pompeii
• Marco Polo
• Leonardo da Vinci
• Russian Communism
• Josef Stalin
• Chernobyl.

Sensitive historical topics, including the Holocaust, dictatorship and conflict, are taught in an age-appropriate manner that encourages empathy, critical thinking and respectful discussion.