The history curriculum makes use of the resources within the immediate and wider local area enabling children to develop a deep understanding of the rich history of their locality. Empowering experiences are at the heart of the learning, inspiring pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. Teaching should equip pupils to ask perceptive questions using subject-specific language, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. It should help pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.
Implementation
At Parsloes Primary School, History is taught through topic throughout the year, so that children achieve depth in their learning. The key knowledge and skills that children acquire and develop throughout each historical focus have been mapped to ensure progression between year groups throughout the school.
At the beginning of each new history topic, teachers reference the chronology of previous topics (including those from previous years) and prior knowledge and understanding is reviewed by the children and rigorously checked and consolidated by the teacher. By the end of year 6, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the WWI. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this are studies of world history, such as the ancient civilisations of Greece and the Egyptians.
The National Curriculum provides the basis upon which History is taught and teachers have access to further guidance from the History Association, of which the school is a member. Historical investigation opportunities are planned into the curriculum, including visits to places of historical interest, within the local area and use of quality artefacts, maps and photographs, e.g. Eastbury Manor for the Tudors in Year 5.
The History curriculum is designed to ensure appropriate diversity in the significant figures that children learn about. Teachers cater for the varying needs of all learners, differentiating activities where necessary and as appropriate, and ensuring an appropriate level of challenge. Outcomes of work are regularly monitored to ensure that they reflect a sound understanding of the key identified knowledge.
History Overview 2020
