History

Intent

History inspires curiosity encouraging children to be curious, asking critical questions about the wider world and its past in order to build respect, appreciation and pride in their country. Children will ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. Through the teaching of History, we endeavour to teach pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, including those of the present, the process of change, the diversity of societies and beliefs, whilst celebrating these differences.

Implementation

Learning will begin by revisiting prior knowledge. This will be scaffolded to support pupils to recall previous learning and make connections. Staff will model explicitly the subject-specific vocabulary, knowledge and skills relevant to the learning to allow them to integrate new knowledge into larger concepts. Frequent questioning will review learning and check that pupils are understanding and retaining knowledge. History assessment is ongoing and informs teachers with planning lesson activities and differentiation; it will be tracked against the History progression of skills objectives. Our historians will be given a variety of experiences both in and out of the classroom where appropriate to create memorable learning opportunities, foster curiosity and enthusiasm for history, and to further support and develop their understanding. Each programme of study is formed of a series of lessons planned for progression and depth proceeds. A three-year plan ensures chronology and progression. All pupils will be required to make connections and historical links with prior learning of people, events, societies and epochs. Lessons include historical enquiry. Pupils are encouraged to evaluate primary and secondary sources to develop the skills of enquiry, analysis, interpretation and problem-solving which will develop knowledge and understanding and prepare them for the next phase in their education. Trips and visiting experts are used where possible to enhance the learning experience.

Impact

The impact of quality first teaching in History fosters a love and enthusiasm for the subject. Pupil voice provides evidence that pupils are able to talk with confidence and enthusiasm about what they have learnt in history using subject specific vocabulary. Pupil voice also demonstrates that many pupils enjoy history and are able to recall their learning over time. Book scrutinies demonstrate that history is taught at an age-appropriate standard across each year group, Work demonstrates pupils are acquiring knowledge, skills and vocabulary in an appropriate sequence. Assessment and book scrutinies ensure pupils can demonstrate knowledge and understanding, use key vocabulary and are covering all skills in the progression of skills and knowledge tracker.