History

Quotes that guide us:

‘History is who we are and why we are the way we are.’ David McCullough (1933)

‘History gives answers only to those who know how to ask questions.’ Majo Halborn (1902 – 1969)

Why is it important to teach History? (Intent)

Our History curriculum provides a clear and comprehensive ‘chronological’ curriculum that supports children’s understanding and appreciation of events that are not in living memory. We aim to provide rich experiences from guest speakers to educational visits that enhance learning and bring the historical elements of history to life. We encourage children to freely question and ask openly about historical events. Teaching children historical skills across the curriculum (which allows them to explore History in a range of different contexts, media and experiences) will help open minds and understand that history can influence the actions of generations to come. Children will learn the importance of historical events, people and places and how learning about them can determine future decisions. We aim for children to understand when events took place and that they will not always reflect the ways things happen now, but could have influenced them. By placing events in a chronological order, we aim to give children an understanding of when things happened and how they could have affected events that proceeded.

Key Concepts:

•        To question History and its morals and values between then and now.
•        Understand historical impacts on the current day.
•        Take part in experiences that enable children to understand events that are beyond living memory.
•        Appreciate current day events as a ‘new history’.
•        To be able to place events on a timeline of history.

Curriculum Design (Implementation)

Our History curriculum provides children with the tools to be curious, freely ask questions and use research and experiences to understand the impact History has on modern day. Sharing information and accounts through a range of experiences, and media, allows children to imagine what people of certain times may have experienced and allows them to consider how modern History has changed because of those events and recounts.

•        Produce timelines about historical aspects.
•        Write recounts considering the views and opinions of people of the ‘day’ by putting themselves in the shoes of someone else.
•        Use diaries, research and experiences to gain a greater understanding of history.
•        Visit places that offer a rich experience which enhances understanding of historical aspects.
•        Take part in role-play opportunities which support historical life.

Knowledge Focused

The History curriculum is knowledge focused to ensure clear sequences of learning are followed using the progression documents. These documents allow staff to create small steps that build towards key end points that link to the National Curriculum. These break down the National Curriculum statements further into smaller steps to understand the chronology of events. 

What we do well as a Trust (Impact)

As a Trust, children are immersed in rich experiences which provide children with opportunities to put into practise the skills and knowledge they have acquired in a meaningful and memorable experience. Children within Discovery MAT can apply their learning to other curriculum areas, and through pupil voice demonstrate a true love for History with groups of children in KS2 who aspire to be historians once they leave education. As a trust we do not allow children’s attainment in English and Maths to become a barrier for their learning – we believe any child within our trust can excel in History.