History

History at St. Paul's

At St Paul’s, History allows pupils to explore the past and develop their own historical interest. They will be chronologically taught a range of periods in history, gaining an understanding of a variety of historical concepts and processes. Pupils will also have the opportunity to understand the complexity of people’s lives and identify themes and patterns through history; as well as, linking these to the challenges of their time. We focus our teaching on chronological understanding, key vocabulary, and encourage children to question sources to develop personal enquiry skills.  

As well as weekly topic lessons, local links, where appropriate, aim to develop the children’s sense of perspective. Through trips and visits, children will be given the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge beyond the classroom which will deepen their historical understanding.  

Intent

History at St Paul’s allows pupils to explore the past and develop their own historical curiosity. They will enjoy learning about a range of periods from history, gaining an understanding of a variety of historical concepts and processes. Our curriculum will encourage children to explore topics and themes through methods such as thoughtful discussion, questioning and analysis. As a result of this, pupils will leave with the skills to understand the complexity of people’s lives and identify themes and patterns through history as well as linking these to the challenges of their time.

Chronological Understanding:

Pupils will understand chronology, identifying patterns and themes in history. Our curriculum is taught chronologically from EYFS to Year 6.

Key Vocabulary:

Vocabulary, taken from the National Curriculum, is taught explicitly in each year group.

Questioning:

Pupils will be encouraged to question sources and develop their personal enquiry skills.

Knowledge:

Pupils will develop their knowledge of a range of periods through history, making links between them.

Implementation

Engaging, challenging lessons are well-planned where staff encourage deeper thinking.

Local links, where appropriate, will be made to the history of the local area to develop the children’s sense of perspective.

Through trips and visits, children will be given the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge beyond the classroom.

Resources are audited and purchased by the subject leader. App’s and other classroom materials are shared with relevant year groups.

Impact

At the end of each year, pupils have gained a deepening understanding of chronology, historical vocabulary and the past.

Through pupil voice, children can talk enthusiastically about their history lessons and show a genuine curiosity and interest in the areas they have explored.

Pupils can make links between the different topics and make comparisons. They know about key events they have studied and people as they build an overview of the world. Children are given an opportunity to self-assess upon completing topics by ticking statements which they feel they have achieved. This also enables them to see what they need to do to move forward in their historical skills.

Children’s work should demonstrate the high standards and expectation of our history curriculum.

Display boards around school celebrate the children’s achievements in history.

Teachers assess children using I can statements based on National Curriculum objectives and record if children are below national expected level, at national expected level or working about national expected level.