History
“The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.”
Theodore Roosevelt
Stanley Primary School are proud to have been awarded the Heritage Award for promoting an understanding of their local heritage and its significance.
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Historic England awarded Stanley Primary School this status in light of their curriculum in which:
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Intent
At Stanley Primary School we aim to deliver a history curriculum that is accessible to all and that will maximise the outcomes for every child so that they know more, remember more and understand more. Our teaching of history will help pupils gain a secure knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. The curriculum is structured in a way that allows for children to make links between current and previous learning. We enable children to make comparisons between historical periods previously taught, developing children’s chronological knowledge and understanding. In the Foundation Stage, our pupils are given opportunities to discover and learn about the world they live in. The History element of the children’s work is related to the Knowledge and Understanding of the World objectives set out in the EYFS Curriculum. In Key Stage One, History develops pupil’s knowledge of the similarities and differences between ways of life in different time periods, drawing comparisons with modern life, in accordance with the KS1 National Curriculum. In Key Stage Two, History extends pupil’s skills to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of local, British and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study, in accordance with the KS2 National Curriculum.
We want children to be curious to know more about the past and to have the skills required to explore their own interests. History lessons focus on working as historians and developing historical skills and there are many opportunities for the curriculum to be enriched through historical visits, visitors and events held in school. We aim to enable children to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. It is important for children to develop a sense of identity through learning about the past and we want them to know how history has shaped their own lives.
Implementation
History is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. For younger children, in Early Years and Key Stage 1, this incorporates changes within living memory, and learning about the lives of significant people and events of the past. In Key Stage 2, the focus broadens out to Britain’s early history, how it has influenced and been influenced by the wider world, in addition to understanding the significant aspects of the history of the wider world through ancient civilisations and empires. By the end of year 6, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this are studies of world history, such as the ancient civilisations of Greece and the Egyptians. Outcomes in history are specifically planned for, with strong links between the history curriculum and writing lessons enabling further contextual learning. The local area is also fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice. Planning is informed by and aligned with the national curriculum and enriched by a variety of educational visits and visitors. Stanley proudly celebrate an annual 'War Day' where all year groups discover significant events linked to the wars. Outcomes of work are monitored to ensure that they reflect a sound understanding of the key identified knowledge.
Impact
At Stanley, our pupils are confident and able to talk about what they have learnt in history using subject specific vocabulary. Pupil voice also demonstrates that pupils enjoy history and are able to recall their learning over time. Children’s work demonstrates that history is taught at an age appropriate standard across each year group. Work is of good quality and demonstrates pupils are acquiring knowledge, skills and vocabulary in an appropriate sequence. Each year group displays a broad and balanced history curriculum and demonstrates the children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Emphasis is placed on analytical thinking and questioning which helps pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of local history, Britain’s past and that of the wider world and are curious to know more about the past. We are proud that Stanley Primary School is a recognised ‘Heritage School’ through its ongoing collaboration and links with Historic England.
History Curriculum
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