Denby C.E. (V.A) First School



History

Intent

Across the Greenhills First Federation we intend to deliver a high quality History curriculum that ignites in pupils a real curiosity and fascination about Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Our aim is to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for History whilst also being fully inclusive to every child; providing a broad, balanced and differentiated programme of study that encompasses British Values throughout.

We have planned our curriculum to extend the children’s knowledge and understanding of the world they live in, to enable them to use their skills confidently and in a range of situations and enrich their lives by exposing them to a variety of first hand experiences and opportunities. We intend to create confident, resilient, independent learners, with a love of learning and with high aspirations for the future. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences.

We look for the awe and wonder in the world around us and celebrate our part in this. Through our Christian or individual beliefs we develop our spirituality and opportunities for reflection through learning about History.

We intend to develop respectful individuals who value keeping themselves healthy in mind and body and make positive contributions to their community. We believe that an understanding of History supports children in this - Through finding out about how and why the world, our country, cultures and local communities have developed over time, children understand how the past influences the present, and this develops a context for their growing identity.

Implementation

History is taught as part of a half-termly topic, focusing on the knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum. It is taught on a rolling programme to ensure all key skills and knowledge are taught and revisited throughout both Key Stages.

Our History lessons provide a variety of opportunities for children to expand their vocabulary through careful planning, discussion, research and reading.

Children are given opportunities to carry out historical inquiries by using research to answer their own questions or pre-planned questions. They are encouraged to use a range of historical tools in order collate information about a period in history or an historical event, and then are able to present their findings in a variety of ways. We aim to include first hand experiences, such as visitors and visits to encourage use of primary resources to develop children’s understanding as well as awe and wonder in the subject.

Impact

We measure the impact of our History teaching against children’s ability to think as historians and demonstrate skills and knowledge in the following areas:

To investigate and interpret the past

To build an overview of world history

To understand chronology

To communicate historically