Curriculum
History
Intent
The 2014 National Curriculum for history aims to ensure that all pupils:
- know and understand the history of the British Isles as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day: how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world
- know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: the nature of ancient civilisations; the expansion and dissolution of empires; characteristic features of past non-European societies; achievements and follies of mankind
- gain and deploy a historically grounded understanding of abstract terms such as ‘empire’, ‘civilisation’ and ‘parliament,’ understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends, frame historically valid questions and create their own structured accounts, including written narratives and analyses
- understand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used rigorously to make historical claims, and discern how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed
- gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts: understanding the connections between local, regional, national and international history; between cultural, economic, military, political, religious and social history; and between short- and long-term timescales
History intends to prepare each pupil for their next phase of education whilst at the same time giving all pupils a broad and balanced view of the history of Britain and other societies. Pupils will develop a well-rounded knowledge of the past and its events, with intention to improve every pupil’s cultural capital, understanding of the world around them and their own heritage. History at West Hill Primary aims to be ambitious in the coverage of historical skills and motivating through engaging activities, trips and visitors that give all pupils an opportunity to question the past.
At West Hill Primary we have designed our History curriculum with the intent that our children will:
- become increasingly critical and analytical thinkers, e.g to understand why people behave as they do now and help them to develop a sense of responsibility for the world in which later generations will live
- possess a secure understanding of the chronology of the British Isles and other important periods of History
- discover links and connections to the history they learn and the wider community and locality
- further their knowledge and explanations of change and continuity over time
- differentiate between source types and explain how interpretations in History may differ
- draw on similarities and differences within given time frames and across previously taught History
- enquire into historical-themed questions and form their own opinions and interpretations of the past
- inspire in them a lasting interest in, and enjoyment of, learning about the past
Implementation
The curriculum is led and overseen by the History lead. A regular programme of monitoring, evaluation and review and the celebration of good practice will contribute to the ongoing commitment to evolve and improve further. The teaching, learning and sequencing of the History curriculum follows:
- In KS1, the historical skills 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 set out in order to reference the previous year’s curriculum and to refer to this prior learning year-on-year and within the year.
- The progression of skills is set out in order to build and develop the following:
- Chronological understanding
- Knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes in the past
- Connection and historical links
- Interpretations of History
- Historical enquiry
- Children are taught the sequence of skills and knowledge that are the components to a composite outcome.
- Lessons will develop long-term memory by allowing for repetition of learning within the year and year-on -year.
- Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary is taught within the unit and reinforced throughout the year.
Impact
- Children will become increasingly critical and analytical within their thinking. They will make informed and balanced judgements based on their knowledge of the past.
- Children will become increasingly aware of how historical events have shaped the world that they currently live in.
- They will also have a further understanding of History on a local and small-scale level.
- Children will develop enquiry skills to pursue their own interests within a topic and further questioning.
- Where applicable, children will have encountered or participated in high-quality visits/visitors to further appreciate the impact of History.
- Children are to retain prior-learning and explicitly make connections between what they have previously learned and what they are currently learning.
- Work is of a good quality and demonstrates that pupils are acquiring knowledge, skills and vocabulary in an appropriate sequence.
History Progression pages 77-87