History

Intent

Our intent is to:

1. Engage: We capture pupils' interest in history by presenting the past in a captivating and relatable manner. We strive to make history an exciting subject through interactive and immersive experiences that connect pupils to different historical periods and events.

2. Develop: We ensure a progressive and structured learning journey that builds historical knowledge and skills from EYFS through to Year 6. The Cornerstones curriculum provides a framework that allows pupils to develop a solid foundation in historical understanding, tailored to their developmental stages and abilities.

3. Innovate: We encourage pupils to think creatively about historical events and figures, exploring different perspectives and solving historical problems through inquiry-based learning. We aim to foster an environment where pupils can develop their own historical investigations and apply critical thinking to understand the past.

4. Express: We support pupils in articulating their historical knowledge and insights effectively. We emphasise the importance of communication in history, helping pupils present their findings, reflect on their learning, and connect historical understanding with their own lives and experiences.

Implementation

1. Engage: Spark Interest and Curiosity

• EYFS and Key Stage 1: We introduce historical concepts through engaging storytelling, role-play, and exploration of historical artefacts. We use the Cornerstones curriculum’s interactive units to make history accessible and exciting through activities such as time-travel adventures, historical figures, and everyday life in different periods.

• Key Stage 2: We build on early learning with more detailed studies of historical periods, events, and civilisations. We utilise the Cornerstones curriculum’s comprehensive units to delve deeper into topics with immersive projects, field trips, and creative activities that connect pupils with the past.

2. Develop: Build Knowledge and Skills

• EYFS and Key Stage 1: We focus on developing foundational historical skills and knowledge, such as understanding timelines, identifying significant events, and exploring changes over time. The Cornerstones curriculum provides structured lessons that ensure progressive skill development and conceptual understanding.

• Key Stage 2: We enhance and extend pupils' historical knowledge with more complex topics, including historical inquiry, source analysis, and the impact of historical events on the present. The Cornerstones curriculum’s progressive approach supports this development through detailed lessons and varied resources.

3. Innovate: Explore and Investigate

• EYFS and Key Stage 1: We encourage creativity and investigation by allowing pupils to explore historical themes through projects, simple research, and imaginative play. The Cornerstones curriculum’s thematic units support innovative learning through activities that let pupils ask questions and explore different aspects of history.

• Key Stage 2: We provide opportunities for pupils to conduct more in-depth historical investigations, analyse primary and secondary sources, and explore different viewpoints. Promote critical thinking and problem-solving through independent and group projects that challenge pupils to interpret and understand historical evidence.

4. Express: Communicate and Reflect

• EYFS and Key Stage 1: We support pupils in expressing their historical knowledge through drawings, stories, and simple presentations. The Cornerstones curriculum emphasises reflection and communication, helping pupils articulate their understanding of historical concepts in a variety of ways.

• Key Stage 2: We develop pupils' ability to communicate complex historical ideas through written reports, oral presentations, and discussions. We encourage reflective practices that allow pupils to evaluate their understanding and connect historical insights to contemporary issues and their own experiences. 

Through our history curriculum, guided by the Cornerstones curriculum, we aim for pupils to:

1. Engage Enthusiastically: Show a keen interest and curiosity about history, actively participating in lessons and activities.

2. Develop a Strong Historical Foundation: Build a comprehensive understanding of historical concepts, including timelines, significant events, and the impact of history on the present.

3. Innovate and Investigate: Apply creative and critical thinking to explore historical questions, conduct investigations, and solve historical problems.

4. Express and Reflect: Effectively communicate their historical knowledge and insights, using various methods to present and reflect on their learning journey.

5. Enhance Sense of Self: Pupils gain an increasingly sophisticated awareness of their place in the world, the events that have contributed to their 'present' and how they can help shape the future.

End-of-unit assessment enable us to gauge learning and plan for further learning and mastery.

Our vision for teaching history in a mixed-age school, using the Cornerstones curriculum, is to provide an engaging, structured, and adaptable education that meets the needs of every pupil. By fostering curiosity, building knowledge, encouraging innovation, and supporting effective communication, we aim to help pupils develop a deep understanding of the past and its relevance to their own lives and the world around them.