Link to History Policy

Intent

At Meadlands, we understand that history is all around us. By studying the past, we inspire curiosity, critical thinking and analysis. History encourages debate and investigation; it develops our empathy. The skills we derive from studying history are transferable and influence our own lives. The intent of our History curriculum is to deliver a curriculum which is accessible to all and that will maximise the outcomes for every child so that they know more, remember more and understand more.

‘Ultimately, there’s something in the study of history for everybody because it’s everything that’s ever happened.’  Lipscombe, 2013

Implementation

History is taught in blocks every term. The curriculum is arranged so that the units are taught broadly in chronological order to give the children on overall sense of the passing of time. Units of history are taught in line with the National Curriculum programmes of study. Teachers carefully plan units according to our subject Knowledge Organisers, which ensure progression of history knowledge and skills, and acquisition of key vocabulary. As each unit of history progresses, children fill in a Learning Journey to recall and summarise what they have learned.

The perfect history lesson comprises a mixture of substantive and disciplinary knowledge, leading to enquiry. Teachers may use artefacts  or a “History Mystery” to prompt an enquiry, spark an interest  or to start a lesson or history topic.

EYFS

Young children are naturally curious about the world around them and this is a vital time to begin to embed important aspects of historical learning such as asking and answering questions, understanding historical vocabulary, and using role play. History in early years is embedded into the area “Understanding the World”.

By the time children leave reception, they should:

• Talk about past and present events in their own lives and in the lives of family members

• Know about the similarities and differences between themselves and others, among families, communities and traditions

• Know about similarities and differences in relation to places, objects, materials and living things

• Talk about the features of their own environment

Yearly Overviews

Our young historians will gain a range of skills as they progress through the key stages, providing a rich and varied experience of our history curriculum, which not only provides facts and figures but also analysis and evaluation and an appreciation of how the past can shape the present and the future.

History Significant Individuals

For each unit of history taught, we celebrate the lives of individuals who have made a difference. Here are just a few of our History Heroes:

Examples of Work

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

IMPACT

• Children will know more, remember more, and understand more about history.
• Children will gain a love of history and a respect for the past.
• Children will understand and use the key skills of chronological understanding, knowledge and understanding of events in the past, historical interpretation, historical enquiry and organisation and communication.
• As historians, children will make connections with their own lives and learn lessons from history to influence the decisions they make in their lives in the future.