Purpose of Study

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.

Teaching should equip pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.

History helps pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.

Aims

The National Curriculum - History key stages 1 to 2

• • know and understand the history of these islands 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’, ‘parliament’ and ‘peasantry’

  • 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.

Intent

At Woodcot Primary School, our intent for History education is to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of the past among our pupils, inspiring curiosity about local, national, and global histories. Our objectives include:

Knowledge Acquisition: Students will build a robust understanding of key historical periods, figures, and events, making meaningful connections.

Skills Development: We aim to develop critical thinking and enquiry skills, enabling pupils to analyse sources and construct reasoned arguments.Cultural Understanding: Our curriculum is inclusive and multicultural, reflecting the diversity of our community and encouraging appreciation of different perspectives.

Personal Growth: We promote empathy and understanding, empowering pupils to consider the implications of history on contemporary society.

Implementation

We implement our History curriculum through a systematic and engaging approach:

Curriculum Design: Our curriculum is thoughtfully mapped across key stages, incorporating the National Curriculum while tailoring content to pupils' backgrounds and interests.

Enquiry-Based Learning: Lessons encourage pupils to ask questions and engage in investigations through diverse methods like role-play and group discussions.

Cross-Curricular Opportunities: We integrate History with other subjects, enhancing learning through collaborations.

Use of Resources: We utilise a range of resources including primary documents, engaging texts, visits and visitors - creating real-world connections to historical content.

Continuous Assessment and Feedback: We employ formative assessments to adapt teaching and support student needs effectively.

Impact

The impact of our History curriculum is reflected in pupil engagement and community feedback:

Pupil Outcomes: Students show a strong understanding of historical concepts and demonstrate enthusiasm for further exploration beyond the classroom.

Cultural Competence: Pupils develop respect and understanding for diverse histories, enhancing their interaction within the school community.

Behaviour and Attitudes: Increased engagement and motivation during History lessons are evidenced by positive pupil feedback and participation rates.

Community Engagement: Families are encouraged to help with the home learning topic ideas and are invited in throughout the year to various events which showcase the learning.

Continuous Improvement: Regular evaluations of our programme ensure responsiveness to student and community needs, enhancing future provisions.

Year 1 - Autumn

Childhood

This teaches children about everyday life and families today, including comparisons with childhood in the 1950s, using artefacts and a range of different sources.

Year 1 - Summer

School Days

This project teaches children about their own school and locality, both today and in the past. They compare schooling in the Victorian era to their experiences today.

Year 2 - Autumn

Movers & Shakers

This project teaches children about historically significant people who have had a major impact on the world. They will learn to use timelines, stories and historical sources to find out about the people featured and use historical models to explore their significance.

Year 2 - Spring

Coastline

This project teaches children about the physical and human features of coastal regions across the United Kingdom, including a detailed exploration of the coastal town of Whitby, in Yorkshire.

Year 2 - Summer

Magnificent Monarchs

This project teaches children about the English and British monarchy from AD 871 to the present day. Using timelines, information about royal palaces, portraits and other historical sources, they build up an understanding of the monarchs and then research six of the most significant sovereigns.

Year 3 - Autumn

Through The Ages

This project teaches children about British prehistory from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, including changes to people and lifestyle caused by ingenuity, invention and technological advancement.

Year 3 - Summer

Emperors & Empires

This project teaches children about the history and structure of ancient Rome and the Roman Empire, including a detailed exploration of the Romanisation of Britain.

Year 4 - Autumn

Invasion

This project teaches children about life in Britain after the Roman withdrawal. Children will learn about Anglo-Saxon and Viking invasions up to the Norman conquest.

Year 4 - Summer

Ancient Civilisations

This project teaches children about the history of three of the world’s first ancient civilisations: ancient Sumer, ancient Egypt and the Indus Valley civilisation. Children will learn about the rise, life, achievements and eventual end of each civilisation.

Year 5 - Autumn

Dynamic Dynasties

This project teaches children about the history of ancient China, focusing primarily on the Shang Dynasty, and explores the lasting legacy of the first five Chinese dynasties, some of which can still be seen in the world today.

Year 5 - Summer

Groundbreaking Greeks

This project teaches children about developments and changes over six periods of ancient Greek history, focusing on the city state of Athens in the Classical age, and exploring the lasting legacy of ancient Greece.

Year 6 - Autumn

Mafaa

This project teaches children about Africa past and present and the development of the slave trade. It also explores Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, the causes and consequences of the European colonisation of Africa and the worldwide communities that make up the African diaspora.

Year 6 - Summer

Britain at War

This project teaches children about the causes, events and consequences of the First and Second World Wars, the influence of new inventions on warfare, how life in Great Britain was affected and the legacy of the wars in the post-war period.