History Overview

History is the study of people in the past and how their actions have influenced our lives today. History helps children to make sense of the world in which they live and to develop a sense of identity. Our aim is that the children should understand that the society, in which we live, has been shaped by events in the past. They will learn about the role of individuals, events and movements in moulding modern society. By studying historical source material, the children will be encouraged to ask questions, deduce information and solve problems developing an inquisitive mind.

At Hensall Community Primary School, we teach history following the National Curriculum Programme of Study, which lays down a variety of approaches applicable to each unit of study. History is taught through themes, on a three year cycle in Key Stage 1 and also in Key Stage 2 where classes are mixed age. Wherever possible, links are made to other curriculum areas such as geography, literacy and art. In both Key Stages the emphasis is upon developing investigative skills through the study of a particular period, event or famous person.

We have planned our history curriculum, so that children’s knowledge, skills and subject specific vocabulary are built sequentially over time. Practical experiences and visits enrich the children’s learning and understanding of the past and we endeavour to provide a range of opportunities throughout both Key Stage 1 and 2 to enhance learning opportunities.

Intent

History at Hensall Community Primary School aims to ensure that our children will leave school with a secure understanding of the chronology of British History and that of the wider world. Through our topics, we aim to provide interesting and exciting historical experiences which promote historical thinking; developing an appreciation of the past and ensuring children become analytic thinkers by evaluating a range of primary and secondary sources. Our children are encouraged to ask questions, weigh evidence, scrutinise arguments and develop their own judgement of historical periods developing knowledge, skills and understanding. Thus encouraging children to become curious learners, developing a deep understanding of the historical concepts, knowledge and skills.

Implementation

A topic based approach has been implemented to ensure history is taught focusing on the knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum. Planning ensures there is a progression of historical skills and knowledge across the school. Through a three-year topic cycle, engaging lessons and experiences, children develop their knowledge and skills. This approach has been implemented to ensure a broad coverage of knowledge and progression in skills and concepts throughout EYFS, Key Stage 1 and 2.

In EYFS and KS1, children will focus on the world around them and their living memory of History before moving to events that go beyond living history. This will ensure a firm foundation for KS2 History.

In KS2, the History curriculum is planned to allow children to build an image of History over time and to use their knowledge of previous periods, events and people to develop their historical knowledge, thinking and questioning skills.

The progression of knowledge and skills build and develop the following concepts:

• Chronological understanding
• Significance
• Similarity and difference
• Cause and consequence
• Continuity and change
• Enquiry
• Interpretation

Impact

By the end of their primary education, our children are able to articulate and demonstrate that they have developed the historical knowledge, language and skills to help them understand the history of the United Kingdom and the wider world. They demonstrate a good understanding of human attitudes and experiences, historical enquiry, and are able to make links between historical events and the world in which they now live. Children’s knowledge and skills develop progressively as they move through the school, not only to enable them to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum but to build on a deeper understanding to prepare them to become competent historians.

Here's what children at Hensall think about History:

'I enjoy finding out about the past and checking what I know by doing quizzes!' Bryce Y5

'I like History because it's really gruesome. I like learning about the things that happened years ago' Imogen Y4

'I like learning about people in the past and the exciting things they did  - like Grace Darling!' Isla Y2

Curriculum Progression Documents 

The curriculum progression document for history shows how we map subject knowledge and skills sequentially from EYFS to Year 6. In each year group, we know the order of what our pupils have learnt, what they are learning and what they will need to learn in the future. This document enables us to identify any gaps in learning that need to be addressed to ensure that new learning makes sense to our pupils.

In addition to this we also map out subject specific vocabulary across school and examples of texts that may be used in different year groups.

Within this document you will see how this is implemented at Hensall and how we provide a range of enrichment opportunities for the children.