History
At our school, we teach History in a way that inspires our pupils to be curious about the past and understand how it has shaped the present. Our curriculum is designed to provide a progressive understanding of historical events and concepts, starting from the local area and expanding to a global perspective.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1, we focus on the history of our local area and the UK. This approach allows young learners to connect with familiar places and develop a sense of identity and heritage
As pupils progress to Lower Key Stage 2, the curriculum shifts to a more detailed study of the history of our region. This allows for a deeper exploration of significant events, people, and changes that have shaped the area over time.
In Upper Key Stage 2, the curriculum broadens to encompass global history, introducing pupils to major civilizations, world-changing events, and the interconnectedness of historical developments across different cultures
Teaching Sequence: Engaging Pupils from the Start
Each History unit begins with an engaging orientation lesson, designed to capture pupils' interest and assess their initial knowledge. This approach involves a hook or interactive activity that sets the stage for the upcoming unit of study. The orientation lesson serves multiple purposes:
Engage pupils with exciting activities, visuals, or stories to create enthusiasm
Assess pupils' existing understanding to identify areas for focused instruction
Cover essential chronology skills relevant to the unit's content
Following the orientation, each unit is structured into focused lessons with clear learning objectives. This sequence allows for a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter while maintaining a clear progression of learning.
Assessment and Reinforcement Strategies
To ensure effective learning and retention of knowledge, we implement robust assessment and reinforcement:
Quick quizzes at the start of each lesson to reinforce previous learning
Use of digital tools to track progress and engage pupils
A substantial assessment piece at the end of each unit to demonstrate understanding
This approach provides comprehensive review and allows pupils to showcase their knowledge in diverse ways.
Supporting Your Child's History Learning
There are many ways you can support your child's history education:
Visit museums, historic sites, and discuss the topics they are learning about
Read engaging fiction and non-fiction history books together
Watch age-appropriate history programs and documentaries as a family
Explore the fun and fascinating aspects of history, like the "Horrible Histories"
By showing an interest and enthusiasm for history, you can inspire a lifelong love of learning about the past in your child.