St Michael's C of E Primary School

St Michael's C of E Primary School
Journeying together with Christ

History

Intent

At St Michael’s, we know the importance of understanding our past, and that of the wider world. Our History lessons aim to be dynamic, immersive and inspirational; encouraging children to ask questions, be curious and think critically about the past of the world around them. Our History curriculum is designed to enable all pupils to understand how life has changed over time in Great Britain and elsewhere, and what has influenced those changes. Children will learn to analyse different types of evidence, and develop their own arguments and judgements, and have sound knowledge of many of the events throughout history that have shaped our lives today. We want our pupils to think like historians, and become passionate about the past!

By the end of Year 6 pupils will

  • have a curiosity and fascination about the past
  • use factual knowledge to describe past societies, periods and events
  • select, use and analyse evidence from a variety of primary and secondary sources
  • understand the significance of the people and events they have studied
  • recognise similarities and differences between the historical periods they have studied
  • explain the possible cause/s of historical events and why people behaved as they did
  • understand the consequences of past events and their impact on individuals, groups and society
  • know some of the different positions from which people see and understand historical events - understand that explanations, interpretations and opinions of the past can differ and are open to debate

 

Early Years Building Blocks

  • Understand simple changes through time
  • Distinguish between past and present

 

Implementation

History is taught in half termly blocks, from Year 1-6. (In Foundation Stage, History forms part of “Understanding of the World.”)

Each unit will begin with assessing prior knowledge, and finish with assessing what has been learned by using KWL grids. Lessons will be planned and developed using a range of sources, including The Historical Association & National Archives.

All pupils will have access to visual/written timelines to show chronology. Knowledge Organisers will be used to show key language, knowledge and meaning for each area of History. Artefacts, visiting experts and educational visits will be used, where appropriate, to enrich the historical experience for children. Whilst developing their research skills, children will be shown that bias can be present in sources of evidence, and that this must be taken into account. Children’s historical understanding will be assessed by teachers and the subject leader, and gaps in knowledge/misconceptions addressed.

 

Impact

The impact of our history curriculum is currently being evaluated. This is being done through conversations with our pupils (Pupil voice), formal and informal assessments which includes scrutiny of teaching and learning, and observations made in the classrooms.