Why do we teach History? 

Teaching History aims to stimulate pupils’ interest and understanding of the past, gaining insight into how the past has influenced our lives today. This insight aims to create a cultural identity and foster respect for others. Through the historical enquiry process of examining evidence, analysis and posing questions; pupils are engaged and proactive in their learning, fostering independence and problem-solving. Pupils also learn that history is opinions, viewpoints and motives interwoven and enjoy deciphering historical ‘fact’, utilising skills from all curriculum areas.

What do we teach in History? 

Our History curriculum is structured in line with the National Curriculum for KS1 and KS2.

Our History curriculum enables our children to gain knowledge and understanding of the past within our own locality, our country and the wider world. They will learn about the complexity of peoples’ lives, the diversity of societies and the relationships between different groups of people in the past.

In Key Stage 1, pupils develop an awareness of the past using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time and know where people and events they study fit within a chronological framework. In Key Stage 2, they continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history and note connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop appropriate use of historical terms.

How do we teach History? 

History is taught as a discrete subject. We use the Learning Challenge Curriculum to deliver the national curriculum objectives. Each of our History units has a weekly lesson which should allow pupils to ask questions, think critically, discuss evidence, and develop judgements. The use of appropriate vocabulary is encouraged and links to chronology are made where possible. They are encouraged to use, evaluate, and question historical sources.

Wherever possible, historical days are arranged, historical visitors come to the school, and offsite educational visits are organised