Intent

Our aim at Cropthorne with Charlton CofE First School is to encourage pupils to develop an appreciation and understanding of the past. Through visits, being able to evaluate a range of primary and secondary resources the children will be able to learn how people round the world used to live and how these interpretations may differ. The children will be taught to make links between these areas of learning, with the aim of developing engaged, motivated and curious learners that can reflect on the past and make meaningful links to the present day.

Our History curriculum has been designed to cover all of the skills, knowledge and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum states that ‘a high-quality history education will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. It should inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past.’

To ensure that pupils develop a secure knowledge that they can build on, our History curriculum is organised into a progression model that outlines the skills, knowledge and vocabulary to be taught in s sequentially coherent way. Chronological understanding, Historical understanding, Historical enquiry, interpretations of History, organisation and communication are all mapped out to ensure that pupils build on secure prior knowledge.

Implementation

We pride ourselves on our creative learning environment and displays that aid in embedding new vocabulary and secure subject knowledge. Therefore, all learning will start by understanding prior knowledge. This will be scaffolded to support children to recall previous learning and make connections. Staff will model explicitly subject-specific vocabulary, knowledge and skills relevant to the learning.

History is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children achieve depth in their learning. Key knowledge and skills of each topic has been carefully considered, to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. By the end of year 5, children will have a chronological understanding of British history, from the Stone Age to the present day. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this are studies of world history, such as the ancient civilisations of Egypt and Rome.

Cross-curricular outcomes in history are specifically planned for, with strong links between the history curriculum and literacy lessons enabling further contextual learning. The local area of Worcestershire is fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside of the classroom embedded in our practice. Consideration is given to how greater depth will be taught, learnt and demonstrated within each lesson, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion. Outcomes of learning are monitored to ensure they reflect a sound understanding of key skills. The Early Year Foundation Stage covers past and present in the curriculum in regard to history under the curriculum subject ‘Understanding the World’.

Impact

Outcomes in topic and literacy books, evidence a broad and balanced history curriculum and demonstrate the children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Children review the agreed successes at the end of every session and are actively encouraged to identify their own target areas, with support from their teachers. Children are also asked what they have learned comparative to their starting points at the end of every topic. Emphasis is placed on analytical thinking and questioning which helps pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world and are curious to know more about the past. Through this study, pupils learn to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. Regular school trips provide further relevant and contextual learning.