History at Ann Cam
Intent
At Ann Cam Primary School, Th children are taught about key historical events from Britain’s past as well as the wider world showing respect towards how these have influenced our lives today. We provide a broad and differentiated curriculum that fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum for History and beyond.
In EYFS, history is taught as the Early Learning Goal (ELG) ‘Past and Present’ which involves children talking about the lives of people around them, about the past from stories and as well as look at similarities and differences. In Key Stage One, children are taught to develop an awareness of the past, to identify similarities and differences of life in different periods, to use a wide historical vocabulary and to use sources to show their understanding of key events. They also learn to understand how we find out about the past and to ask and answer questions. In Key Stage 2, children are then taught a range of topics from the Stone Age to World War 2 that deepen their understanding of chronological understanding; Historical Understanding; Historical Enquiry; Interpretations of History; Organisation and Communication. They are encouraged to think and behave as historians by exploring different types of historical sources and by promoting thoughtful discussions about key events. The children are encouraged to use key historical vocabulary in every lesson from Early Years to Year 6.
To install a love of history, we encourage the use of key texts, trips and visitors to make history come alive through immersive experiences that all pupils will remember. We design our history curriculum to make full use of resources within the immediate and wider local area enabling children to develop a deep understanding of the rich history of their locality. Some excellent examples of this are our local historical studies of the Dymock Poets that our houses are named after to the exploration of Edward Wilson from Cheltenham.
Implementation
- The foundation subjects typically follow the suggested order of the National Curriculum and we plan to offer a broad range of subject areas within History.
- Planning for each subject is linked to a termly theme, and foundation subjects are often linked to this.
- Teachers planning is responsive to the needs of the learners in their class, and based upon progression in understanding and skills grids which have been produced for each subject area. This ensures our learners get a broad knowledge of each topic within the foundation subjects, but also understand how to use sources, understand chronology, and discuss the causes of events.
- Due to the demographic and location of the school, much of our geography planning encourages children to think about the wider world and learn about cities and countries to give them a broader understanding of different cultures.
- Teaching of the foundation subjects is differentiated according to the needs of our learners to enable every child to access and engage with the content offered.
Impact
- Children are engaged, curious and resilient in History lessons and relish the challenge and opportunities for fun that the subject offers.
- Children are critical and analytical in their thinking, making informed and balanced judgements based on their knowledge of the past.
- Children are aware of how historical events have shaped the world today, including History at the local and personal level.
- Children develop enquiry skills to pursue and investigate their own interests within a topic.
- Children visit historically relevant sites and museums and learn from visitors to enhance their learning in History and create positive memories.
Useful Links
