History: Mrs Gibbins

Intent: 

Our history curriculum sets out to help pupils gain an understanding of Britain’s past as well as the wider world. We also aim for children to retain knowledge about important past events. Children's curiosity about the past should lead them to ask questions about why events took place and why people acted the way they did. Indeed, we ask our pupils to think critically developing perspective and judgement. Unpinning all of this is the ability to understand change and how the past shapes the future whether that be the history of their own families (in year R), of the UK or the world. 

Implementation:  

History is taught through a thematic approach (which also includes Geography), allowing the pupils combine the humanities and, by doing this, deepen their understanding of the subject material. Pupils begin (in Year R) by exploring their own families' past and understanding the notion of what came before. In KS 1 they study famous people (for example Shakleton and British Kings and Queens) and events (for example the Great Fire of London) throughout history. They look at examples of historical artefacts small and large (Kenilworth and Warwick Castle). 

As we move into KS 2, the pupils study ancient civilisations (Egypt, China and the Mayans) looking at how they compare to the modern versions of the same place as well as making comparisons to the UK. They build on this in year 4 making comparisons between Greece and Italy today and in ancient history. In year 5 they study the Anglo Saxons, Normans and Tudors discussing how these key periods in history influenced our lives today. They finish their history studies by looking at the two world wars. Throughout the implementation, pupils and asked to recall their knowledge (with the help of their organisers), linking previous studies chronologically, and build on previously taught skills e.g. examining artefacts. 

Pedagogical approach:

As young Historians our aim is to help pupils understand their place in time, what happened in their past and how they can shape their own futures.

Teachers will be aware of the topics taught in previous years and be able to place their current topic on a timeline, comparing it to previous learning. Knowledge organisers will be used to consolidate learning and used as a reference point. Key vocabulary will be displayed for the children and discussed to understand meaning. The expectation is that spelling key words correctly is non-negotiable. History lessons will be taught creatively to engage the imaginations of the children and develop their curiosity of the world around them. Children will have the opportunity to evidence their learning in a variety of ways such as writing, creation of timelines, drama, creating posters.

Impact: 

Pupils leave the school with a good knowledge of what happened in our pasts and they demonstrate their understanding through their books as well as through orally sharing. Pupils also get to be hands on and develop their history skills: this can be seen in the photos above where - for example- the children get be be archaeologists finding clues about the past! Finally pupils engender a passion for finding out about our pasts as can been seen from some of the history days in the photos above.