Subject Leader: Mr Edwards

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 learnt.

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.                                                     

Yearly Overviews

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.