History
History teaches pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments and develop perspective & judgement.
Beehive Lane History Curriculum
Intent
Our aim at Beehive Lane Primary School is to encourage pupils to develop an appreciation and understanding of the past, evaluating a range of primary and secondary sources. Our pupils will also be able to explain clearly how these sources give us an insight into how people around the world used to live and how these interpretations may differ. Pupils will be taught to make links between these areas of learning, with the aim of developing engaged, motivated and curious learners that can reflect on the past and make meaningful links to the present day.
Our History curriculum has been designed to cover all of the skills, knowledge and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum states that ‘a high-quality history education will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. It should inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past.’
To ensure that pupils develop a secure knowledge that they can build on, our History curriculum is organised into a progression model that outlines the skills, knowledge and vocabulary to be taught in a sequentially coherent way. Chronological Understanding; Historical Understanding; Historical Enquiry; Interpretations of History; Organisation and Communication are all mapped out to ensure that pupils build on secure prior knowledge.
When covering each of these strands, the content will be carefully organised by each year group through a long term plan. Content knowledge, vocabulary and skills will then be planned for at a greater level of detail in the medium term plan. History is delivered through subject specific teaching organised into blocks under a theme. Meaningful links with other subjects are made to strengthen connections and understanding for pupils.
The History units taught have been developed to help children appreciate their own identity, background and the challenges in their time in line with our Beehive Lane values C.A.R.E (Commitment, Aspiration, Respect, Enjoyment). It will help them understand the process of change over time and significant developments.
Implementation
All learning will start by revisiting prior knowledge and use sources of evidence appropriately to make connections. Staff will model explicitly the subject-specific vocabulary, knowledge and skills relevant to the learning to allow pupils to integrate new knowledge into larger concepts.
Consistent learning walls or History displays in every classroom provide constant scaffolding for children. Tier three subject specific vocabulary is displayed on the learning wall along with key facts and questions, and model exemplars of the work being taught.
Our pupils are given a variety of experiences both in and out of the classroom where appropriate, to create memorable learning opportunities and to further support and develop their understanding. History assessment is ongoing throughout each term to inform teachers with their planning; end of unit judgements are then completed at the end of each topic where history objectives have been covered. These judgements are used to inform leaders of school improvements or skills that need to be further enhanced.
Impact
Pupils are confident and able to talk about what they have learnt in history using subject specific vocabulary. They are able to make connections within the subject and relate it to the world in which they live today. Pupils are able to ask questions within lessons that deepen their understanding and develop their interest and curiosity.
Pupil voice also demonstrates that pupils enjoy history and are able to recall their learning over time. Pupils' work demonstrates that history is taught at an age appropriate standard across each year group with opportunities planned in for pupils working at greater depth.
Useful Links
Teaching History with 100 objects