The teaching of history begins in grade 5. Ancient cultures form the central theme. The children learn about their mythologies, geographical features, social forms, ways of thinking and special achievements. They are also taught some basic technical terms associated with this subject and how to apply them. Having reached an age when they can begin to understand such things, they are led through the main stages of the history of cultural development. Beginning with the stage when humanity lived in harmony with nature (creation), the sequence proceeds to the development of settled existence, agriculture and animal husbandry (gardening), and thence, via early theocratic civilisations, in which rich mythological cosmogonies provided a context for the development of a division of labour, practical knowledge and cross-tribal societies, to Greek antiquity. For children of this age the life of these ancient cultures is mainly evoked through the portrayal of human deeds, through telling the great mythic stories that were the heart of that life (e.g. Brahma, Gilgamesh), and by giving a sense of how prehistoric peoples were bound into the cycle of the year and paid observance to the seasons.

This will be an online course (3 hours a week) for 6 weeks. For more information and to book contact julia@fairandco.com