Our School Offer for History

Within the Purpose of Study for History (National Curriculum 2014), we know that
‘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…’

What do we mean by History?
In Key Stage 2, we focus on the key aims of the National Curriculum:
• know and understand the history of Britain as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day
• know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world
• note connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop the appropriate use of historical terms
• develop competence in historical skills needed to: (i) enquire (ii) interpret (iii) communicate

How do we teach History?
• Each child is taught specific year group coverage that covers an understanding of Britain’s past, an understanding of local history, an understanding of the wider world’s past and an understanding of an aspect or theme in British History (after 1066)
• We teach a gradual development of historical skills; each child focuses on specific skills identified for the year group (see overview)
• We teach knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world through a chronological narrative (see overview)
• Staff choose to teach History within two or three focused units and these occur within the year; we plan from KS2 Knowledge Mats to ensure that we focus on key vocabulary, knowledge & important information
• Outcomes are recorded within the Class Floor Book; we believe that this makes us more creative and allows us to focus on active learning
• Each classroom has a visual timeline to develop a chronological narrative from the earliest times to the present day

How do we inspire a love of History?
We believe that history feeds curiosity to know more about the past. We believe that we can excite children with high-quality resources, artefacts and stories. Our Gallery has an identified area with non-fiction books. Staff enrich teaching with drama, visits to local activity centres and use visitors for expert knowledge.

How do we help children who find History difficult?
Within the classroom, staff are aware of individual needs and support skill and knowledge acquisition when required. We use a whole school record to pinpoint progress within historical skills and adapt planning and tasks accordingly.

How do we assess History?
Each child is assessed against the key historical skills; this may be though observation, approach to a planned task or outcome. Staff record whether a child is working below expectations, working at expectations or exceeding expectations.

How can Parents/Carers help?
We know that many Parents/Carers encourage curiosity with the past at home and enrich their children’s lives through trips to Museums, places of interest & Exhibitions. Some look at year group coverage and supplement their child’s understanding by visiting the library, buying topic books or audio books. We thank everyone for this.