History
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. Teaching should equip pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. History helps pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.
Intent
At Hammond Junior School, we are HISTORIANS! We want our children to love history. We aim to ensure that children can access all areas of the History National Curriculum. In doing so, pupils should develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time.
We aim to stimulate all children’s interest and understanding about the life of people who lived in the past. We teach where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework and identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods. Children develop a sense of identity and a cultural understanding based on their historical heritage. This enables our children to learn to value their own and other people’s cultures in modern multicultural Britain. We aim to make all children aware of the actions of important people in history and enable children to know about significant events in British history, whilst appreciating how things have changed over time. History will also ensure our children understand how Britain developed as a society, contributing to their understanding of their country of residence.
They should use a wide vocabulary of everyday historical terms. Children will ask and answer questions, choosing and using parts of stories, use primary and secondary sources and artefacts to talk about and understand key features of events and the lives of significant individuals. Through our teaching of History, children will be given the opportunities to, and be encouraged to, use their historical skills across the range of subjects we teach. We believe that by allowing the children to understand the importance and enjoyment of History through different opportunities, they will become enthused learners in History.
“I find history very fun, learning about the Victorians and the World War. History is great because the lessons are always interactive.” Year 5 pupil
Implementation
History is taught for half a term every term for one hour per week. Units of work are blocked to allow children to focus on developing their knowledge and skills, studying each topic in depth. We have developed a progression of skills with each year group, which enables pupils to build on and develop their skills each year as part of our spiral curriculum.
History begins by looking at the children’s own personal history and introduces them to the idea of chronology and timelines. History will look at significant events and people who have shaped society, locally, nationally, and globally. Each year group studies aspects of local history and British history.
In order to support children in their ability to know more and remember more, there are regular opportunities to review the learning that has taken place. At the start of each unit of work children will review previous learning and will have the opportunity to share what they already know. Children are given a knowledge organiser at the start of each unit of work which details some key information, dates, and vocabulary. This is used to support children with their acquisition of knowledge and is used as a reference document. Effective CPD and standardisation opportunities are available to staff to ensure high levels of confidence and knowledge are maintained.
Children are given opportunities, where possible, to study artefacts leading to enquiry, investigation, analysis, interpretation, evaluation and presentation. We plan for effective use of educational visits and visitors, to enrich and enhance the pupil’s learning experience and the History curriculum.
Teachers use highly effective Assessment for Learning at different points in each lesson to ensure misconceptions are highlighted and addressed. Effective modelling by teachers ensures that children are able to achieve their learning intentions, with misconceptions addressed within it. Through using a range of assessment tools, learning is scaffolded to ensure that each pupil can access the History curriculum.
“I like history because we learn about the Romans and light. Earlier this term we learnt about the Stone Age and what they ate. I always enjoy it.” Year 3 pupil
Impact
The impact of this curriculum design will lead to significant progress over time across key stages relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills. Children will therefore be expected to leave Hammond Junior School reaching at least age-related expectations for History. Our History curriculum will also lead pupils to be enthusiastic history learners, evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice and their work.
â“I like history because I enjoy learning about the past and pre-historic times. My favourite topic so far has been learning about the census which is a book that stores information about your family and where you live. The census is done every 10 years but 2021 could be the last one.” Year 6 pupil
Knowledge Organisers
Year 3
Year 3 Stone Age, Bronze Age, or Iron Age?
Year 3 Why did the Romans settle in Britain?
Year 4
Year 4 How hard is it to invade and settle in Britain?
Year 4 How have childrens lives improved
Year 5
Year 5 What did the Greeks ever do for us?
Year 5 What was life like in Tudor times?
Year 6
Year 6 What was the impact of WW2 on the people of Britain?
Year 6 What does the census tell us about our local area?
Progression Document
