History

Intention

At Randlay Primary School and Nursery, our History intention is for all of our learners to develop their chronological understanding and consider the significance of key historical events in shaping our present and future. It is extremely important to us that our learners understand the significance of History as a record of information which has been gathered over time, informed by the perspectives and life experiences of the people directly involved in its events. It is our intention to encourage our learners to sequence historical events, discuss relevant sources, consider the importance of significant figures and share a range of perspectives that are key to understanding History. In our view it is extremely important that the teaching and learning of History is both relevant and engaging for all, therefore we emphasise the links that can be made with all our lives so learners are better able to understand our History and how this develops over time.

Through the teaching of History, we aim to:

Inspire pupils’ curiosity and to increase their knowledge and understanding about the past in our local community, Britain and the wider world;
Encourage pupils’ critical thinking about how the past influences the present;
Understand that people interpret the past differently and use different ways to present their ideas;
Help students develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people;
Foster a sense of identity and an increased understanding of pupils’ own position in their own community and the world;
Encourage pupils to ask perceptive questions, to analyse evidence and develop a perceptive and judgment about events.

Implementation

Our History coverage is organised across each Key Stage over the course of a two year rolling programme, which is delivered as part of our Creative Curriculum offer. Our long-term and medium-term plans map out the skills and themes covered each term for each key stage. History objectives are planned to be covered in blocks across the two yearly cycle. Whenever possible and appropriate, cross-curricular links should be identified. This makes it more likely that a rich humanities curriculum can be delivered, as well as providing a more creative, enjoyable approach to teaching and learning.

History teaching focuses on enabling children to think as historians. Emphasis is placed on the development of enquiry skills and empathy, as well as on factual knowledge. The key history skills taught at Randlay Primary School and Nursery are:

Chronological understanding;
Identifying contrasts and themes;
Assessing and using evidence;
Questioning;
Historical communication;
Vocabulary (for topics, talk and chronology).

To support the teaching of History skills we have implemented a document of progressive skills to support our staff. The document highlights the key areas that need to be taught sequentially to develop our learners’ ability to operate as historians.

A significant emphasis is placed on examining historical artefacts and primary sources. Where appropriate, children are given the opportunity to visit sites of historical significance, in order to make links with our British Values and develop cultural capital. Visitors are encouraged to come into the school and talk about their experiences of events in the past. We focus on helping children understand that historical events can be interpreted in different ways and we encourage them to ask searching questions.

A variety of enriching teaching approaches are encouraged:

Teacher presentations, role-play and storytelling;
Question and answer sessions, discussions and debates (primarily Key Stage 2);
Individual and group research and presentations;
Investigating artefacts, maps, photographs, paintings and other documents as sources of evidence;
Critical analysis and evaluation of sources of evidence;
Computing (interactive white board and internet resources, CD ROMs, TV and other visual and audio resources);
Fieldwork, visitors and visits to museums and sites of historic interest;
Special Events

History in EYFS

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, History is explored through objectives developed around the Early Learning Goal: Understanding the World, this is where children are given the opportunity to recognise how things and people change over time. Children begin to make sense of their own life-story, and their families own history through exploring past and present events.

History in KS1

In Key Stage 1, pupils learn the following key skills;

To develop an awareness of history and a sense of chronology through the study of the lives of people and events in the more distant past;
To know where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework;
To understand the methods of historical enquiry through using a variety of sources to compare lives, past and present; and to question events in the past.

History in KS2

In Key Stage 2, pupils learn the following key skills;

To extend the depth of historical enquiry and broaden the range of study;
To be able to make connections and note contrasts and trends over time;
To interpret and communicate historical knowledge in a variety of ways, through art and drama as well as the written word;
To increase awareness of events, people and societies from the past, in order to gain a better understanding of the present;
To ensure there is progression from Key Stage 1 through teaching and combination of in-depth and overview studies about British, local and world histories.

How we support SEND in History

Adaptive teaching
Assistive technology
Visual displays and word mats
Symbols and visuals
Visual timelines
Audio and video recordings
Handling artefacts
Educational visits

Impact

All of our learners are enthusiastic about the events that have taken place in their own lifetime and beyond which shape all of our futures. They have enquiring minds and engage with those who have first-hand experience. They are able to use the necessary sources to find out more and are keen to share their knowledge. They understand the sequencing of events and why these are relevant when making links between their own lives and events over the course of different time periods. Our learners have a genuine curiosity about the past and a healthy respect for sacrifices made across History in the name of progress and enlightenment.

History Curriculum Progression – Knowledge and Skills