History

“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” 

                                                                                                 Martin Luther King Jr

Our History curriculum aims to inspire children to want to know about the past and to act and think as historians. As History influences all aspects of our lives and shapes the customs and beliefs of the  communities to which we belong, we aim to develop pupils’ sense of identity and help them make sense of the diverse world in which they live.  

Our History curriculum develops a chronological, coherent narrative through local, national and global topics. Through all topics pupils will follow the thread of two key concepts: power and governance; and everyday lives of men and women in various times and places across the world.  These concepts will help children to understand  the world in the past and the world today.

Children explore enquiry questions which will enable them to ask questions, analyse sources, debate ideas and think critically. To develop these skills, our ‘big ideas’ underpin all History enquiry: Chronology, Change and Continuity; Cause and Consequence; Significance; and Historical Evidence. 

Aims of History

∙ To develop historical knowledge and understanding; 

∙ To introduce pupils to historical enquiry through studying historical evidence,  asking questions and communicating their findings; 

∙ To develop a sense of chronology; 

∙ To understand that the society has been shaped by past  developments but that people of other  times and places may have had different values and attitudes; 

Early Years

In Early Years, children will begin to develop an understanding of the past. They will explore their own life and family, talking about their photos and memories. Through stories and images, they will  consider similarities and differences between the past and now.

Key Stage 1

Throughout KS1 children will develop their awareness of the past through a variety of topics. They will begin to develop an understanding of chronology and use historical vocabulary relating to the passing of time. An enquiry within each lesson will enable children to ask and answer questions, and explore different sources of evidence including artefacts, photographs and visits to historical sites.

Topics will cover:

  • Changes within living memory, for example how shops have changed and seaside holidays. 
  • Events beyond living memory, for example Remembrance Day.
  • The lives of significant individuals, for example Grace Darling.

Key Stage 2

In Key Stage 2, pupils will develop their understanding of the world in the past and today through the study of topics in different times and places. They will think critically to devise and answer historical questions and share conclusions orally and in writing. 

Topics will cover:

  • British History: chronological history covering the Stone, Bronze and Iron Age, Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings; local History study; a breadth study over time; significant points in British history.
  • World History: An overview of Ancient civilisations and an in depth study of Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and the Mayans.

Supporting Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

All children with SEND will have equal access and opportunities within the curriculum. The School will support these children to ‘catch up’, ‘keep up’ and experience success in the following ways (where appropriate):

  • High quality teaching each day through Ordinarily Available Provision (formerly Quality First Teaching);
  • Opportunities for pre-learning (particularly new vocabulary) before lessons;
  • Appropriately scaffolded or differentiated work or materials;
  • Classrooms and materials set up to reduce cognitive load and follow dyslexia friendly strategies;
  • Children with SEND have a Pupil Passport which identifies approaches and strategies to be used which will help them to succeed;
  • For children with Education, Health and Care Plans there may be 1:1 adult support in lessons.

The School recognises that while a child may have additional needs in one area of the curriculum they may well have skills and talents which allow them to shine and be successful in another and this is to be celebrated.

To view the History Curriculum Map please Click Here