At Chopwell Primary school we like to give the children the opportunity to question why things happened, who people were and what people did. We believe that history should develop children’s curiosity and understanding about the world around them. Through stories of people and events from the past, children learn to ask questions, think critically and recognise how life has changed over time. We encourage children to explore the past using real objects, research, videos and discussions on how and why things are different now.  

Across the year, children will explore a range of exciting historical topics through engaging activities and hands – on learning.  They will travel back in time to study ancient civilisations, investigate significant events and learn about inspiring individuals who changed the world.  

Intent  

By following the National Curriculum, we aim to give our children further knowledge and understanding of the world around us by delving into different doors of the past. Our teaching helps children to develop a secure understanding of chronology, historical events, people and places both in our local area, and around the world. Each engaging topic will explore how life has changed over time and why these changes matter. It focusses on developing key skills such as questioning, interpreting evidence, making connections and forming balanced arguments. We believe in the importance of oracy at Chopwell, encouraging our children to ‘talk like historians’ by using accurate vocabulary, sharing ideas and giving opinions. By the end of the children’s historical journey, the children will have a deeper understanding of the past to help them make sense of the present and their place in the world. 

Implementation  

Each year group teaches 3 history units across the academic year on a termly basis. As a school, each year groups units have been carefully selected from the National Curriculum, in order to build progression and make meaningful links across the curriculum. Each topic has a well-structured and engaging approach that ensures all children can access and enjoy learning about the past. Our history curriculum is designed to meet the needs and interests of our children, allowing for lessons that are appropriate and challenging through personalised teaching methods. This includes storytelling, pictures from the past, investigating timelines and practical resources to bring history to life. In each history lesson, children will take on the role of a historian. Their awareness of chronology will be developed using timelines, to make connections across topics and grasp the concept of change over time. Our focus to ‘talk like a historian’ allows children to build their confidence in using historical language and develop their thinking. It allows our children to speak more precisely and thoughtfully about the past, developing their critical thinking skills. We enhance our children's historical knowledge through opportunities for educational visits, theme weeks and visitors as these play a significant part in helping children make links and understand history in real life.  

Impact  

Our history curriculum allows children to leave our school with a strong sense of identity and an understanding of the world around them. They have confidence and are secure in using historical language and have built curiosity for learning by connecting to real stories from the past. Our children have improved important life skills such as critical thinking, communication and problem-solving and have learnt to appreciate different cultures and perspectives, forming empathy towards others. Through our teaching and engaging lessons, children now have an understanding of how the past influences the present and future. More importantly, they develop an enthusiasm for history, wanting to know more about the world around them and take their learning further.