Intent

Through the teaching of History, we stimulate all children’s interests and understanding about the life of people who lived in the past. They will develop a sense of identity and cultural understanding through studying diverse societies. They will learn about significant individuals and events and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world. They will also build knowledge of historical developments in the wider world. In doing this, History will broaden children’s horizons, challenge preconceived ideas and develop life skills. In History, we will give children the opportunity to develop their skills of enquiry, investigation and analysis in order for them to think perceptively and act like historians. We want our children to have no limits to their ambitions and to grow up wanting to be archivists, museum curators, archaeologists or research analysts.

Implementation

At Rood End, History is taught across 18 weeks, on average, of the school year. We have developed a progression of skills which enables pupils to build on and develop their skills each year. In EYFS, children are encouraged to discuss events and individuals in the past and make comparisons with modern life. They do this through storytelling and exploring artefacts. In KS1, children begin by investigating events within living memory then extend to those beyond living memory. They explore the significance of key people through history and the way they have shaped society. In KS2, children study; aspects of local history, ancient and modern history; and civilisations from Britain and around the world. Using our whole-school timeline, children are able to place their topics in chronological and geographical context. Links to Geography and other subjects are explored and topics are aligned where relevant. To support children in their ability to retain previous learning, there are regular opportunities to review learning at the start of lessons and through the use of Knowledge Organisers. Children are given a Knowledge Organiser at the start of each topic, outlining key events, dates and figures.

Staff have access to Historical Association schemes of work and resources and medium-term plans for all units cover key historical concepts and outline enquiry questions. Substantive concepts, such as ‘Settlement’ and ‘Empire’, are seen alongside disciplinary concepts, such as ‘Cause and Consequence’. A key concept of ‘Migration’ runs through the school and is explored within different societies in different time periods.

Children are given the opportunity, where possible, to study artefacts leading to enquiry, investigation, analysis and interpretation. Enquiry questions are addressed throughout lessons, with children encouraged to re-evaluate their answers based on new evidence and sources. We plan for effective use of educational visits and visitors to enrich and enhance their learning experience.

Impact

Children will develop the necessary skills to argue for their point of view; a skill that will help them in their adult life. They will be able to think critically about history and communicate confidently, forming and refining questions and lines of enquiry. They will develop a sense of curiosity about the past and the ways it has been interpreted and represented. Progress and understanding is assessed at the end of each unit with a Knowledge Catcher quiz.

Children will be expected to leave Rood End reaching at least age-related expectations in History. Our History curriculum will lead pupils to be enthusiastic historians and will be evidenced in a range of ways including pupil voice.