Our History subject lead is Mrs McNally.
Intent
The history curriculum at Tow Law Millennium intends to interest pupils to allow curiosity about the past to develop. We believe that high-quality history lessons inspire children to want to know more about the past and to think and act as historians. By linking learning to a range of topics and themes, children have opportunities to investigate and interpret the past including significant historical individuals, understand chronology, build an overview of Britain’s past as well as that of the wider world, and to be able to communicate historically. Our pupils have opportunities to develop and deploy an accurate use of vocabulary to evidence historical claims and should interpret and debate, make connections and analyse their community and the wider world. Our history teaching begins from an early age; in EYFS children have great opportunities to develop their understanding of the concept of time and change. Pupils in our school generally have a very inquisitive attitude towards the past, however they have limited experience of the use and understanding of key historical vocabulary outside of school. Our curriculum addresses these limitations as we seek to develop our pupils’ vocabulary knowledge and understanding. Our history curriculum makes use of resources within the immediate and wider local area enabling children to develop a deep understanding of the rich history of their locality.
Implementation
History at Tow Law Millennium Primary is taught in blocks throughout the year (3 units per year on a two year rolling programme), so that children can achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. In Key Stage 2, the history curriculum is sequenced using common themes to allow pupils to have a frame of reference and consider change over time; buildings and technology, daily life, beliefs and culture and peace and conflict. By the end of year 6, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. The sequence of learning ensures that lessons are relevant and takes account of children’s different starting points. Consideration is given to how greater depth will be taught, learnt and demonstrated within each lesson, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion and equality. Where required, CPD is provided to staff members to increase confidence and knowledge when teaching history.
Impact
Outcomes in history books and the use of progression grids evidence a broad and balanced history curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Emphasis is placed on analytical thinking and questioning which helps pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world and are curious to know more about the past. Through this study, pupils learn to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. At Tow Law Millennium, the monitoring of foundation subjects is carried out following the whole school annual monitoring programme. The subject coordinator also monitors progress, evidence and pupil voice termly.
Please follow this link to view our curriculum policies.
