History
Intent
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
Marcus Garvey
At St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School, our History curriculum reflects our mission statement: “With Christ at our side and with St Gerard as our guide, we live, love, learn and pray together.” Through the teaching of History, we inspire children’s curiosity and understanding about the lives of people in the past and how historical events have shaped the world we live in today.
We aim to develop children’s sense of chronology so they understand how Britain and the wider world have changed over time. Through studying different civilisations, significant individuals and important events, children gain a deeper understanding of their own identity, heritage and the experiences of others.
Our curriculum encourages children to value diversity, respect different cultures and recognise the importance of tolerance, compassion and community in modern multicultural Britain. By learning about the achievements, challenges and mistakes of the past, children are encouraged to become thoughtful, responsible and informed citizens.
We want all children to develop a love of History and to see themselves as historians. Through carefully planned units of enquiry, children are encouraged to ask perceptive questions, think critically, analyse evidence and form balanced judgements. They learn to appreciate the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change and the relationships between different societies and communities across time.
Through the study of History, children also reflect on values such as courage, justice, perseverance, faith and service. Our curriculum helps children to grow academically, spiritually and morally as they learn to live, love, learn and pray together.
Implementation
History is taught throughout the school in every year group through carefully sequenced half-termly units of work. Each unit enables children to progressively develop their historical knowledge, vocabulary and enquiry skills.
Our progression of skills document ensures that children build upon prior learning each year and develop increasing confidence as historians. In Key Stage 1, children begin by studying significant people and events that have shaped society locally, nationally and globally, including our significant national figures- Mary Seacole, Florence Nightingale and Walter Tull.
Chronology is a key feature of our curriculum. Timelines and sequencing activities are embedded throughout units to help children develop a clear understanding of historical periods and how they relate to one another. In Key Stage 2, children place their learning within a broader chronological framework, including studies of Local History and Ancient Civilisations.
At the beginning of each unit, children revisit previous learning and share what they already know about a historical period, person or place. Regular retrieval opportunities throughout lessons support children in knowing more and remembering more over time.
Children are provided with knowledge organisers containing key facts, dates and vocabulary to support their understanding and retention of knowledge. Teachers are supported with detailed unit plans and subject knowledge resources to ensure confident and effective delivery of the curriculum.
To enrich learning, we encourage the use of educational visits, visitors, artefacts and immersive classroom displays. Children are given opportunities to explore historical evidence, ask questions and develop their own interpretations of the past.
The key historical concepts taught throughout our curriculum are:
- Chronological understanding
- Historical knowledge
- Historical interpretation
- Historical enquiry
- Organisation and communication
Assessment is ongoing and includes opportunities for self and peer assessment, teacher assessment and retrieval practice. Differentiation ensures all children can access and succeed within the History curriculum.
Cross-curricular links, particularly with Geography, are carefully planned where appropriate. Opportunities are also provided for children to reflect upon how historical events and individuals demonstrate values linked to our mission statement and Catholic Social Teaching, including compassion, dignity, resilience and service to others.
History in EYFS
History is an important part of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage through the area of Understanding the World. Our six carefully planned EYFS units provide children with the foundations needed for future historical learning and ensure a smooth transition into Key Stage 1.
Using the EYFS Framework 2021 and Development Matters guidance, children begin to explore the concepts of past and present through their own experiences, family life, celebrations, significant people and special places. They are encouraged to develop an awareness of change over time and begin to use historical vocabulary linked to time and sequence in everyday routines and conversations.
Children are encouraged to ask questions such as:
- What do you think?
- Tell me more about…
- Why did this happen?
Through storytelling, discussion and shared experiences, children begin to understand what it means to belong to a community that lives, loves, learns and prays together.
Impact
The impact of our History curriculum is measured through children’s development in the following key areas:
- Chronological understanding
- Historical knowledge
- Historical interpretation
- Historical enquiry
- Organisation and communication
Children leave St Gerard’s with a rich understanding of the past and a love of History. They develop the skills to think critically, ask thoughtful questions and make informed judgements based on evidence from a range of sources.
Our children gain a secure understanding of how people’s lives and historical events have shaped Britain and influenced the wider world. They become respectful, reflective and compassionate learners who appreciate the diversity of societies and cultures across time.
Through History, children grow in confidence, curiosity and understanding, developing the knowledge and values needed to become responsible citizens who live, love, learn and pray together.
