History
Our history curriculum has been designed to celebrate the cultural diversity and identities of our pupils whilst also ensuring their understanding of history - both in Britain and around the world - is well developed.
Topics and lessons are designed to allow pupils to access and come to understand history through hands-on, practical experiences. They use primary and secondary sources to develop their knowledge and skills and trips and visits to see and experience these themselves.
Our school focus on Oracy allows children to put their understanding of history into practice through a range of activities, including: role paying historical events, exploring and discussing different sources of evidence, identifying what they tell us about an event; and participating in historical events, with children taking on different perspectives from history.
School-wide theme days provide exciting opportunities for pupils to delve deeper into topics and bring them to life. A clear progression of skills ensures their learning develops breadth and depth each year.
Our school-wide focus on subject-specific vocabulary runs through this subject and builds upon vocabulary taught across the curriculum.
Curriculum Documents
Whole School History Curriculum Map:
Progression of History Skills:
Knowledge Organisers
Knowledge organisers capture the key knowledge and vocabulary that pupils will be taught in each unit of learning. They are used by class teachers and pupils in various ways to help pupils remember key information. Parents and carers can support pupils at home by discussing what they've been learning in history, using the knowledge organiser to guide discussions.
Assessment
History assessment is conducted both throughout each lesson and at the end of each unit to ensure that children develop a secure understanding of key historical knowledge. A range of assessment methods is used, based on the essential information outlined in the knowledge organisers.
At the beginning of each lesson, children engage in 'Flashback 4' activities, which help them review and consolidate learning from both the current unit and previous history topics. Additionally, they complete structured tasks, such as filling in missing information on their knowledge organisers, to reinforce their understanding. Vocabulary is explicitly taught in every lesson to ensure children grasp important historical terminology.
At the end of each unit, children complete an 'Impact Piece' to demonstrate their learning in a meaningful and engaging way. These tasks vary by year group and may include writing a diary entry from the perspective of a historical figure, creating an information report, or recording an interview in character.
Teachers use their professional judgment, alongside these assessment strategies, to evaluate whether children have achieved the key learning objectives. Any misconceptions identified are addressed in subsequent 'Flashback 4' activities, ensuring that knowledge is reinforced and built upon over time.
History: Curriculum in Action
Year 1 trip to Windsor Castle
Year 3 visit the British Museum
Year 1 Pollocks Toy Museum Workshop
Year 6 WWII Workshop
Year 1 meet the dinosaurs!
Year 3 become Roman soldiers
Year 3 meet a Roman gladiator
Year 4's Viking Day
Year 6 WWII Day