In the early years the children are taught these subjects through a cycle of integrated themes. The whole class will focus on the same theme for that part of the term. However, the teacher will plan work within that theme which is appropriate to the age and development of the child or the group. Aspects of other subjects such as mathematics and English may also be included.
In Classes 2, 3 and 4 the curriculum in geography, history and science is organised in a mixture of specific National Curriculum subjects and joint topics where appropriate. The children should begin to identify whether the work they are doing is science, history or geography, though as earlier, links with other subject areas will be developed as appropriate. For instance a History theme on “Romans” may encompass elements of English, mathematics and technology.
We use Creative Projects on a termly basis across all year groups within school to develop many aspects of the curriculum in a fun and stimulating manner.
History
Intent
Our school intends to deliver a high-quality history education which supports pupils to gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past, and that of the wider world: to develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people. We want to inspire our pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. Our teaching intends to develop pupils to be confident, competent questioners, as well as informed and critical citizens: being at ease with differences, and understanding more about themselves as individuals and members of society. Children will find evidence, weigh it up and reach their own conclusions, and we will provide opportunities for pupils to research, sift through evidence, and argue for their point of view – skills that are prized in adult life. We will inspire our pupils’ pride and sense of belonging to our locality, through local studies and trips as well as invitations to local visitors. We want our pupils to know more and remember more.
Aims
The aims of history are:
- To instil curiosity and understanding of events, places and people in a variety of times and environments;
- To develop an interest in the past and an appreciation of human achievements and aspirations;
- To understand the values of our society;
- To learn about the major issues and events in the history of our own country and of the world, and how these events may have influenced one another;
- To develop a knowledge of chronology within which the children can organise their understanding of the past;
- To understand how the past was different from the present and that people of other times and places may have had different values and attitudes from ours;
- To understand the nature of evidence by emphasising the process of enquiry and by developing the range of skills required to interpret primary and secondary source materials;
- To distinguish between historical facts and the interpretation of those facts;
- To understand that events have a multiplicity of causes and that historical explanation is provisional, debatable and sometimes controversial.
Implementation
History Curriculum Planning
The children undertake a broad and balanced programme that takes account of abilities, aptitudes and physical, emotional and intellectual development. Through history, the children learn a range of skills, concepts, attitudes and methods of working.
At Witton-le-Wear Primary School, with the exception of EYFS, history is taught half-termly. Our curriculum is carefully planned over a two-year cycle to engage and excite all our learners through four historical stages:
EYFS – Finding out about past and present events in their own lives, and those of their families and other people they know, and opportunities to explore and familiarise themselves with the local area.
KS1 – Changes within living memory, local recent history and significant events and people in their locality as well as the wider world;
LKS2 – Pre-history – Stone Age to Iron Age in Britain, Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks, and the Romans;
UKS2 – Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, the Mayans, Monarchy, and local area studies based upon mining, the railways and the World Wars.
Our progressive, chronological, two-year cycle maps out the themes covered each year in Key Stage 2. Medium term plans include key questions and a rationale for the unit. These plans define what we will teach and ensure an appropriate balance and distribution of work across each term. In addition, in KS2, the rolling programme is delivered in chronological order and ensures pupils will be ready for their next steps of learning in the subsequent years.
Impact
Through the delivery of a high-quality History education, children will know more, remember more and understand more about History. They will understand and use the key skills of chronological understanding, knowledge and understanding of events in the past, historical interpretation and historical enquiry. They will be able to ask meaningful questions and research a variety of sources, to reach critical and informed conclusions. By the end of Key Stage 2, children will be equipped with historical skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and they will learn lessons from history to influence the decisions they make in their lives in the future, as an adult in the wider world.
History Downloads
- History Overview (Intent, Implementation & Impact)for website
- Long Term Plan – History (Rolling Programme 2022)
