Intent

Events in recent history have had a big impact on our community and children.  Lack of knowledge, understanding and clarity of truth seem to be causing anxiety and misinformation for pupils.  Constant bombardment of news, fake news and social media, as well an over-reliance on technology in the home for entertainment means that children are left without the facts and although the information is all around them, cultural poverty is still present.  Lack of aspirations are also present in the community with some children lacking the desire to do well at school or seeing a reason to challenge themselves.  Some children in our school do not have a rich and varied bank of vocabulary and therefore find it hard to learn new concepts and even communicate their views and discuss historical concepts in depth.  

Our History curriculum therefore tries to equip children with the knowledge and ability to:

• value and accept change and look at change and continuity through history and how this impacts the future (looking at the positives that come from the past mistakes).

• understand the importance of the individual in history and how they can impact change and shape the future (inspire).
• understand local events and people in history and the importance they have played locally, nationally and globally.
• use the correct vocabulary to discuss historical concepts and to share their own opinions and views.
• understand how much the past effects the present and the future and link the past to current affairs where possible.  

   

Implementation

• Using the National Curriculum as a basis we have designed a bespoke history curriculum that suits the needs of our school community. This is documented through individual knowledge organisers for each topic. Teachers plan each unit using a range of quality resources and according to the progression documents.
• Where we have chosen specific topics, avenues of questioning or supplementary units, these have been chosen based on the desire to teach our children to
  • value and accept change and look at change and continuity through history and how this impacts the future (looking at the positives that come from the past mistakes and triumphs).
  • understand the importance of the individual in history and how they can impact change and shape the future (inspire).
  • understand local events and people in history and the importance they have played locally, nationally and globally.
  • use the correct vocabulary to discuss historical concepts and to share their own opinions and views.
  • understand how much the past effects the present and the future and link the past to current affairs where possible.  

• History topics are mostly taught in chronological order (as outlined in the national curriculum) and have threads of knowledge through them in which children can build on across year groups.
• Learners are provided with a road map at the beginning of each new topic which allows them to see the learning journey they will take over the course of a topic. Learners are encouraged to look back over their journey throughout the topic and reflect on what they have learned.
• Learners use mind maps as a tool for revisiting and revising their previous learning. Mind maps are built up over the course of a topic and support learners to build upon their learning and make connections in subsequent topics.
• Lessons are adapted so that learners with additional needs can access the same quality education as their peers.
• Understanding in History is assessed regularly through a variety of formative assessment methods. Misconceptions are addressed immediately and where necessary, teachers will adjust subsequent lessons based on their assessments. Formative assessments also take place to assess both substantive and disciplinary knowledge.
• Vocabulary is a focus during history lessons. Key vocabulary is introduced, revised and embedded into lessons and topics.
• Where appropriate, high-quality fiction and non-fiction texts are used to compliment History topics.
• KS2 children are welcome to join History Club which looks at local history and focuses on a different topic each term.
• School trips and visitors into the classroom add to the enrichment of the subject. 

Impact

A recent triangulation showed that, 

• Pupils at Springhead Primary School enjoy History lessons and are able to recall learning from previous units and year groups.
• Pupils are able to talk about their learning.
• Pupils are beginning to understand the complex role of a historian and use disciplinary historical skills with growing confidence.
• By the end of each year, most pupils will reach the expected age-related standard in History.