Subject leader: Mr Earley
Our Curriculum Drivers
Intent
Through history lessons, our children gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Our history curriculum reflects the aims of the National Curriculum and exceeds the breadth of its content. Children learn about the process of change, the relationships between different groups and the diversity of societies. Our lessons encourage children to be curious, ask perceptive questions, gather evidence, think critically and make reasoned judgements.
We also intend that children understand the wider themes of history that link the different periods that are studied. Our curriculum is built around four important themes of history, which we call our ‘Golden Questions’:
- Who was in charge and who wasn’t?
- What impact has this had on us today?
- How did they make their lives better and safer?
- Exploration or Invasion?
In addition to these Golden Questions, lessons also help children to answer the question ‘How did they demonstrate our Learning Skills?’, which is a thread that runs through many different history units.
Implementation
In KS1, we focus on teaching thematic historical topics that cover multiple historical periods (Changes in Farming, Seaside Holidays, Marvellous Monarchs and Explorers). This is because we feel that it is important the children gain a grounded understanding of the chronology of British and world history before they study historical periods in more detail.
In KS2, most historical periods pre-1066 are taught in chronological order (Stone Age to Iron Age, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Roman Empire, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings). The exception to this chronology is the Ancient Maya, which is taught in Year 6. We feel that it is better to teach this non-European ancient civilisation out of sequence due to the lack of continuity between this period and the other periods studied.
Post-1066 historical periods are also chronologically sequenced. The Space Race is taught in Year 5 and the Second World War is taught in year 6. We feel that these topics are more challenging and more suited to older children.
Local history is taught twice in KS2, in Year 3 (Brighton’s Beginnings) and Year 5 (Local History of Portslade). This means that the learning can become more specific, both in the geographical area of focus and also in the historical knowledge and skills.
Year 5 learn about the history of crime and punishment and Year 3 learn about the history of inventions. These thematic topics cover many important periods of British history, including some which are not taught in other year groups (e.g. Tudors and Victorians). Explicit links are made between these topic and other thematic historical topics taught in KS1.
As part of this curriculum, all year groups learn about significant figures from a diverse range of backgrounds. To celebrate Black History Month in October, all classes also learn about a significant black British person, their achievements and how they have overcome prejudice or promoted equality. In addition, historical issues around race and ethnicity are also explored in the Enrichment activity Cultural Inclusion Club.
Impact
Our history curriculum should ensure that children leave St Mary’s:
- with knowledge and understanding of key historical periods as detailed in the National Curriculum for History in KS1 & KS2
- able to use a range of specific historical vocabulary to discuss their knowledge and understanding
- as increasingly critical and analytical learners, making informed and balanced judgements based on their knowledge of the past.
- increasingly aware of how historical events have shaped the world that they live in
- with an understanding of key elements of local history.
- with enquiry skills that enable them to pursue their own interests within a topic
Our History curriculum CPD ensures that staff are knowledgeable and skillful teachers able to assess pupils’ learning against our assessment objectives.
How to support your child at home?
At St Mary’s, we believe that a strong home-school partnership is key to successful learning across the curriculum.
To support your child’s learning at home:
- Read a range of books set in or about the past
- Talk to your child about famous figures from the past who have changed the world
- Visit historical sights and museums that link to your child’s history topic
