History Curriculum

History Curriculum Statement of Intent

Intent
In line with our vision of children becoming their best versionsas a subject which we are passionate about at St John’s and informed by the 2014 National Curriculum for history aims to ensure that all children:

• Gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world which helps to stimulate children’s curiosity to know more about the past.
• Children should learn to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.
• To 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.

Implementation
At St John’s, these skills are embedded within history lessons and developed throughout their journey of the history curriculum. By the end of their primary education, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from Stone Age to present day. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this is the need to look at world history in the context of ancient civilisations.

Content and principles underpinning the history curriculum are taken from the 2014 National Curriculum. We use the National Curriculum Programmes of study to guide us on the content and focus of each objective to inform our curriculum. These units are enriched by cross curriculum work when appropriate. We use a detailed curriculum map to ensure coverage and progression and teachers are also encouraged to look for additional supporting materials.  We use a thematic approach to learning and include an emphasis on people and community in our local area where appropriate. Children learn through enquiry based learning opportunities to gain a greater understanding of history and develop their historical knowledge and skills. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follows the ‘Development Matters in the EYFS’ guidance which aims for all children in reception to have an ‘Understanding of the World; people and communities, the world and technology by the end of the academic year. Teachers, in parallel classes, plan together to create engaging and informative teaching and learning opportunities which take into account prior learning, plan for opportunities for assessment and identify suitable future targets.

Impact
At St John’s we strive to create a supportive and collaborative ethos for learning by providing investigative and enquiry based learning opportunities. Emphasis is placed on analytical thinking which helps children gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world and fires children’s curiosity to know more about the past. Through this study children learn to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.