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History

Vision Statement

At St. Peter’s we believe that History provides all pupils with the ability to delve deeper and make connections to the past and the world in which they live now. History aims to inspire pupils to actively explore different periods of time as well as cultures, in order to paint a bigger picture of how life today came about. Pupils will be taught the skills required to be a good historian; how to research and gather information, as well as how to question information gathered for authenticity, perspective and reliability. Pupils will have access to a wide range of resources to aid them in their discovery, and opportunities across the curriculum to present, test and evaluate their historical knowledge. Our vision is that St. Peter’s pupils leave with an increased confidence and understanding of historical facts, as well as an understanding of its influence on our day to day lives which will enable them to become confident and well-educated citizens within our society.

 

 

Intent

The history curriculum at our school aims to give pupils the powerful cultural capital they need to understand the world in which they live. By the time pupils leave in Year 6 they will: - have a strong understanding of the history of the British Isles and Birmingham’s place within its development.

-have knowledge of the factors that have prompted migration in different places and times, but especially into and out of the British Isles.

-have experience of diverse cultures, representing some of the diverse origins of the pupils themselves

-be able to think critically, weigh evidence, develop perspective and judgement and question the authenticity of sources.

 

Implementation

 

History is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that pupils achieve depth in their learning. The key knowledge and skills that pupils acquire and develop throughout each block have been mapped to ensure progression between year groups throughout the school. At the beginning of each new history topic, teachers refer to classroom timelines to develop pupils’ understanding of chronology. Each topic is introduced with reference to the chronology of previous topics, including those from previous years. Key knowledge is reviewed by the pupils and rigorously checked and consolidated by the teacher. By the end of year 6, pupils will have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this are studies of world history, such as the ancient civilisations of Greece, Ancient Egypt and the Shang Dynasty.

The school’s own context is also considered, with opportunities for visits to places of historical interest and learning outside the classroom also identified and embedded in practice. Visits to the local area and use of local artefacts, such as the use of local war memorials, also support contextualised learning, as well as the acquisition of key knowledge and systematic development of key skills.

Planning is informed by and aligned with the National Curriculum. In addition, staff have access to the Cornerstones plans and resources. The history curriculum is designed to ensure appropriate diversity in the significant figures that pupils learn about. Teachers cater for the varying needs of all learners, differentiating activities where necessary and as appropriate, and ensuring an appropriate level of challenge. Outcomes of work are regularly monitored to ensure that they reflect a sound understanding of the key identified knowledge.

 

Impact

 

At St. Peter’s, pupil voice shows that pupils are confident and able to talk about what they have learnt in history using subject specific vocabulary. Pupil voice also demonstrates that pupils enjoy history and are able to recall their learning over time. Pupils’ work demonstrates that history is taught at an age appropriate standard across each year group with opportunities planned in for pupils working at greater depth. Work is of good quality and demonstrates pupils are acquiring knowledge, skills and vocabulary in an appropriate sequence that will ensure pupils are equipped with the historical skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and for life as an adult in the wider world. We want the pupils to have thoroughly enjoyed learning about history, therefore encouraging them to undertake new life experiences now and in the future. History is also monitored by the subject leader throughout the year in the form of book monitoring, looking at outcomes and pupil interviews to discuss their learning and understanding and establish the impact of the teaching taking place.

 

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