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History
Intent
The intent of our History curriculum is to stimulate natural curiosity, build upon previous learning and embed some key concepts to memory.
In EYFS children will be able to talk about the lives of the people around them and what they do.
They will know some similarities and differences between things in the past and now, drawing on their experiences and what has been read to them.
They will understand the past through settings, characters and events they meet in books or stories.
In KS1 our pupils learn about the history of their local environment, community, and the wider world.
History is taught through a topic-based approach which encourages development of enquiry skills, historical knowledge and a respect for the past.
We develop children to become independent and evaluative thinkers who have empathy for how people live now and how they have lived in the past.
Opportunities are provided for children to learn about the history of their own locality and to understand how this influences our town today.
The children learn about events which have significance both nationally and globally.
They find out how the achievements of individuals has impacted on people in the past and the present day.
We also ask questions about changes which have happened in our lifetime.
Children will be able to use a wide vocabulary of everyday historical terms, ask and answer questions and use sources.
Their historical experience is enriched through trips to historical buildings, visits by historical characters and the use of artefacts. In addition, lessons use film clips, old documents, and photographs which all help to deepen understanding.
Implementation
Teaching Methods
History teaching focuses on enabling children to think as historians, to be passionate about history and be enthusiastic and engaged participants in history lessons. We place an emphasis on examining historical artefacts and primary sources for example, through using STEAM museum’s resource boxes for Brunel and 20th Century Toys.
We recognise and value the importance of stories in history teaching and we regard this as an important way of stimulating interest in the past, for example, the myths and legends of Finn McCool and The Loch Ness Monster.
We focus on supporting children to understand that historical events can be interpreted in different ways and that they should always ask searching questions, such as “how do we know?” about information they are given.
The historical skills taught in the EYFS feed into the National Curriculum. The most relevant statements for History are taken from the following area of learning: Understanding the World. Each half termly topic has a different focus area for Understanding the World, as follows:
‘All About Me’ - The children will think and talk about people who are special to them. They will draw on their own experiences and recognise differences and similarities between now and the past.
‘Let’s Celebrate’ - They will think about and discuss the different events people celebrate, including Diwali, Christmas, and Bonfire Night. The past will be understood through books read in class and through storytelling
As part of PHSE lessons the children reflect upon changes in their lives.
The National Curriculum is mapped out across Key Stage 1 and is taught through half termly topics. History is not taught by every year group every half term.
Topics may have a historical focal point, for example, in Cycle A we will focus on Brunel, The Great Fire of London and the history of flight. In Cycle B we will focus on Mary Seacole, the history of toys and space exploration.
Impact
The inclusive History curriculum enables children to think, ask questions and consider evidence with confidence. Children will explore, engage with and be interested in historical stories and concepts. Topic and English books will show a broad and balanced history curriculum, which evidences the key skills and knowledge that have been taught. Children will have begun their journey to finding out about Britain’s past, and the wider world.