History

Purpose of study  

A high-quality history education will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. It should inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. Teaching should equip pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. History helps pupils 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. 

Our School Vision for History  

At Perryfields, the teaching of History provides children with an understanding of the world around them. This is taught within our Thematic Curriculum, as part of our broad and balanced curriculum, adapted to suit the needs of our pupils.   

EYFS 

Pupils learn: 

History comes under the area of learning past and present and focuses on early historical skills. Pupils have the opportunity to listen to stories, ask how and why; use the past, present and future tense; talk about the past and present in their own lives and the lives of family members. They are given opportunities to comment upon images of familiar situations in the past. They compare and contrast characters from stories, including figures from the past. They are encouraged to recognise similarities and differences between families and traditions, objects, and materials; and through role play re-enact their own experiences and make up stories.  Pupils have the opportunity to develop vocabulary associated with the passing of time by completing small group adult focus sessions, for example by studying a photograph of themselves as a baby. Links with historical concepts are made in other subjects where applicable, such as in maths, where chronology is developed through the sequencing of daily events. 

Key Stage One 

Pupils learn to: 

In Year 1, the learning in History primarily relates to developing an understanding of the past relating to their own lives and family members and developing an understanding of Chronology.  In Year 2 key national events in History are studied, for example The Great Fire of London. Pupils also study local History through a visit to Cadbury World.  

 Each year group has termly themes that provide opportunities to deliver the History Curriculum.  Theme is taught weekly for approximately one hour per week.  Children are encouraged to pinpoint their theme within History on the large timeline in the corridor. Historical vocabulary is referred to during lessons and is on display in classrooms for children to refer to including the definitions. 

Key Stage Two 

History is taught as part of thematic work. Each year group has two History based themes, each theme extending over one term. Theme being taught once a week for at least an hour. Every effort is made to explore and investigate the many natural cross-curricular links with other subjects such as Geography, Science and Art in addition to English and Maths.  

A variety of teaching methods are used in order to deliver the curriculum. Children are encouraged to ask and answer questions in order to develop an interest in History.  With this in mind, children are provided with a range of resources including books, maps, magazines and artefacts and the use of ICT. In Key Stage 2 children are also encouraged to use the large timeline to pinpoint their theme within History. Specific vocabulary relating to the theme studied will continue to be introduced in KS2 and displayed in classrooms and referred to during lessons. 

How we Achieve this  

Preparing staff and helping them to implement all National Curriculum recommendations through continual professional development. 

Additional Offer 

Many of the school trips are linked with History themes. In addition, class Assemblies and class exhibitions are also used to showcase children’s work. 

Curriculum Info