History is taught through a topic based curriculum, where eiher a History or Geography curriculum is explicitly taught with some links to other subjects and skills. This approach provides a relevant, engaging, Knowledge and skills based topics that engage, inspires and challenges all children whilst raising standards in Foundation subjects.
History is taught in blocks throughout the year so that children can achieve depth in their but have a clear understanding of the history skills, Topics and key vocabulary and learning linked to History.
Each topic begins with a Pre-Learning task, to assess previous and independent knowledge and skills before the topic begins. There is then a Topic question which is answered through a series of lessons which provide children with the knowledge and skills to answer a post learning task similar to the pre- Learning task. This shows children’s progress and successes in acquiring new Knowledge and skills.
Our curriculum is designed so that in EYFS children’s History learning is based people and events in living memory. As they move up through Key Stage One children focus on people, events and places within recent History and continue to look at people in living memory.
Moving into Key Stage Two, our curriculum allows children to have a more in-depth study of the wider civilisations and events from British and world History. Children can convey what they already know as well as what they would like to find out.
Outcomes of work are regularly monitored to ensure that they reflect a secure understanding of the key identified skills and knowledge. It will involve cooperative group work, individual work and class teaching. The use of ‘wow’ experiences and educational visits all contribute to the teaching of History.
Within this structure:
- Groups are usually of mixed ability.
- Work is differentiated to meet the needs of those in the class.
- Relevant discussion is encouraged.
- Groups are encouraged to communicate their findings in a variety of ways.
The emphasis in our teaching of History is on integrated learning, linking the subject with all other areas of the curriculum where possible. Our focus is on topic work which develops a range of study skills allowing children to increasingly take control of their own learning. To achieve this:
- Information handling skills, including the use of a wide range of source materials are explicitly taught.
- ICT will be used to develop children’s research skills at all stages of development.
- Children will learn to read and create timelines and have the skills necessary for interpretation of sources.
- Careful observation is fostered.
Good quality resources are used to support learning.
