History

Intent

At Trinity Primary School we want the children to experience a high-quality history curriculum and we want to develop curiosity about the past. Our children will become historians by, asking questions, studying a range of sources, and putting forward potential answers. We will use an enquiry-based approach, addressing a big question. The history curriculum beginnings in the Early Years Foundation Stage, where children explore through their first-hand experiences and topics. In Key Stage 1 the children build on these skills by considering themselves as historians through exploring their lives, significant past events and significant individuals. In Key stage 2 our children continue to work like historians, through studying the past from the stone age to the present day. We want all children to have a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world which helps to stimulate a curiosity to know more. We want children to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgements. Have an understand the complexity of peoples’ 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

History is taught half termly every term during the year, so that children achieve depth in their learning. History learning at Trinity starts with finding out what the children already know by using appropriate elicitation tasks. We then build upon the children’s starting points by planning a sequence of lessons to develop their knowledge and skills. As part of the planning process teachers will use an enquiry question to plan a cycle of lessons that identify the key knowledge and skills of each topic to ensure progression and depth in their learning. By looking at a big question, the children will have acquired the knowledge and skills to draw comparisons, make connections between different time periods and their own lives. The local area will be fully utilised with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom. Trips and visiting expertise will be planned for to enhance the learning experience. There will be a clear progression of skills and knowledge between year groups.

Impact

Children will see themselves as historians and confidently explore the past through asking questions, studying sources and artefacts They will understand what history is and develop an understanding of the past and its significance in the world today. Children will leave Trinity equipped with the skills and knowledge to be historians of the future.