History
Our Vision: In the light of Christ, we will learn what we need to be to make the difference in our world.
Statement of intent for history at St. George’s
‘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.’
DfE (2013)
Intent – Why do we teach history?
At St. George’s we view history as a key component of our curriculum. We want our pupils to be great historians and know that history is all about people. The study of people of different types from different times and different places. As an enquiry based subject History fires pupils’ curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world. It is important because pupils consider how the past influences the present, what past societies were like, how these societies organised their politics, and what beliefs and cultures influenced people’s actions. As they do this, pupils develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people. They see the diversity of human experience, and understand more about themselves as individuals and members of society. What they learn can influence their decisions about personal choices, attitudes and values. In history, pupils find evidence, weigh it up and reach their own conclusions. To do this, they need to be able to research, sift through evidence, and argue for their point of view – skills that are prized in adult life.
Implementation- what do we teach?
At St. George’s we view history as an enquiry based subject. Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all pupils, regardless of background, ability, additional needs, to flourish to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all pupils. It is important that pupils develop the skills of a historian by fully immersing them in all areas of the subject. Knowledge organisers for each topic are used to support the children with knowing more and remembering more. School trips and launch days are provided to give first hand experiences and enhance their engagement, understanding and love of this subject.
We use Prospect Us curriculum as a resource and specific terms have a designated, history based topic. We believe that topic based teaching enables pupils to have the opportunity to make meaningful links across the curriculum. In addition, to support teaching and learning, we use other resources including Key Stage History and the Wiltshire resource library service.
Impact- What will this look like?
By the time pupils leave St. George’s school they will:
- know what it means to be an historian – immersed in and inspired by history – with transferable skills and a sound progression of knowledge and sequenced understanding of key concepts
- take responsibility and make the best of life choices learning from the past
- understand from their study of history their identity personally, locally, nationally and globally and appreciate diversity
- think critically, question and challenge sources, opinions and information
- have coherent, chronological understanding and know about specific past events and significant people
DfE National Curriculum Programme of Study
Curriculum Roadmaps:
Historical enquiry
History chronological understanding
Organisation and Communication
Historical interpretation
History knowledge and understanding