History

INTENT

Content

In history we stimulate pupil’s curiosity to know more about the past and develop a deep understanding of the world around them and York, their locality. We ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. Our half term topics are often built around the history national curriculum and beyond. Starting in EYFS we learn about the past in small steps, using our prior knowledge and content to learn and remember more. We answer key questions about a time or theme in history and learn specific vocabulary. We acquire substantive knowledge (facts) alongside disciplinary knowledge (skills such as chronology, similarities and differences and sources).

Cohesion

We arouse their curiosity and motivation to learn, allow them to develop a sense of identity through learning about the past, and gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world through a sequence of learning that starts with British prehistory. Children develop their skills, knowledge and ability to understand concepts and attitudes to assist their understanding of the present in the context of the past. Outside of the history classroom children learn about history through assemblies, historical reading and class books and remembrance celebrations and meeting local people all enhance their learning.

Community

Trips to York and beyond, visitors from historical societies and meeting local people enhance pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. In York we are lucky to have so much history on our doorstep! Our history topic often forms many of our half term ‘hooks’ and ‘celebrations’ where we invite families and friends into school to share what we have learned.

Creativity

Children use their creativity to present their knowledge in different ways and to learn through active participation including drama. History is inclusive – historians explore and investigate, so reading and writing is not a barrier to learning. We use a practical approach to learning with class activities and investigations as well as real life experiences. 

Compassion

We will study and begin 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. Children learn about different cultures, e.g. comparing the Spartans to the Athenians, and gain an understanding that life was not always easy in the past for some groups of people. This gives us a sense of community and diversity, both locally and around the world.