History
We follow the Primary National Curriculum for History in England
History is a subject which enables children to engage with the past – learning about people of significance, be inspired to research famous events, roll their sleeves up for the nasty, gory stuff and discover some simply mad stories.
The National Curriculum encapsulates History as:
- Ordering events in time
- Finding differences and similarities,
- Writing and talking about the past.
- Using different sources for information, and
- Asking and answering questions.
Discover more about our History Curriculum at Springbank Primary Academy below.
HISTORY STATEMENT OF INTENT
History has always been held in high regard at Springbank Primary Academy and is an integral part of enabling our children to become inquisitive learners and to understand their place in society.
The History curriculum at Springbank makes full use of resources within the immediate and wider local area, enabling our pupils to develop a deep understanding of the rich history of their locality. Topics are informed by the National Curriculum and are sensitive to pupil’s interests, as well as the context of the local area. The History curriculum at Springbank is carefully planned and structured to ensure that the knowledge and skills (disciplinary knowledge) being taught are progressive and that the school’s approaches are informed by current pedagogy. In line with the National Curriculum (core knowledge), the curriculum at Springbank aims to ensure that all pupils: gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. This gives our pupils an understanding of 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.
Our pupils achieve a depth of learning in History through effective planning, teaching and experiences. Through our disciplinary knowledge children are able to revisit key facts and information through retrieval activities and these ensure that the knowledge is ingrained in their long-term memory. The key knowledge and skills of each topic have been identified and consideration has been given to ensure progression throughout the school. By the end of Key Stage Two, pupils will have a chronological understanding of History from the Stone Age to the present day. They will be able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives.
Our commitment to ensure all of our pupils reach their potential in History is supported by a number of enhancements activities including trips, visitors and artefact boxes. Through our History curriculum, children are able celebrate the history, diversity and cultural wealth of the school’s wider community. Children are able contribute to national historical events such as Remembrance Day or the Queen’s Jubilee and are also given the opportunity to learn to about the heritage of their local area. Our local History topics are an integral part of the learning at Springbank and these help to highlight the diversity of the wider community, whilst also instilling in every child a life-long love of History.
HISTORY CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
History in the Early Years
In Reception, the early learning goals are focused on the memories of a child – for example, reflecting on a special event or family custom. Children will also explore differences, considering different family members and the concept of generations within the family.
History in Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)
The National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 asks children to learn about specific people or events that are both within and beyond living memory. In these year groups, the children develop a grounding of what History is and this foundational learning is revisited and built upon in Key Stage 2. Teachers are given the opportunity to help children make comparisons between ‘then’ and ‘now’. At Springbank, we consider some of the examples provided in the National Curriculum – such as a comparison between William Caxton and Tim Berners-Lee, or a study of the Great Fire of London. Themes such as Toys and linking learning to our local setting of Stonehouse also lend themselves really well to helping the children learn about the past.
History in Key Stage 2 (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6)
The National Curriculum for Keys Stage 2 is much more prescriptive. Children in these classes will learn all about the following periods of British history:
- The Stone Age
- The Romans
- The Anglo Saxons
- The Vikings
- A local history unit
- A period of history later than 1066 – we cover WWII
Beyond this, schools have some flexibility around introducing children to World Civilian History. At Springbank, we cover:
- Ancient Egypt
- Ancient Greece
- Baghdad
SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD AT HOME
Share your family history
Make history relatable by sharing your own family history with your child. Share fun memories of the people and places in your childhood, and encourage your child to talk about their favourite memories as well. Share photographs with them from the past and talk about the differences between then and now.
Books and television
Use books or TV programmes as a conversation starter about the past. Read about people and events that have made a difference in the world, and let your child know that these people were not unlike your child. Try visiting your local library to discover a wider range of books.
Commemorate important historical events
Make your child aware of historical events such as Remembrance Day. Discuss why they are important and think of ways you can commemorate them together. Watch the news together and explain what is happening and why.