History

At Sedbergh Primary, we want our children to love History.

Our aim is that, through the teaching of History, we stimulate all children’s interest and understanding about the life of people who lived in the past. We teach children chronology, in order to develop a sense of identity and a cultural understanding based on their historical heritage. This enables them to learn and to value their own and other people’s cultures in modern multicultural Britain. We aim to make all children aware of the actions of important people in history and enable children to know about significant events in British history, whilst appreciating how things have changed over time.

History will also ensure our children understand how Britain developed as a society, contributing to their understanding of their country of residence. Furthermore, our children will learn about aspects of local, British and Ancient history. This awareness leads to the children having some knowledge of historical development in the wider world. We believe that by allowing the children to understand the importance and enjoyment of History through different opportunities, they will become enthused learners.

History is taught in termly blocks throughout the year, so that children develop a deeper understanding and depth to their learning. Teachers understand the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression throughout each year group across the school. By the end of year 6, children will be secure in drawing comparisons and making connections between different time periods and their own lives. They will also have a good sense of chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day.

In order to support children in their ability to know more and remember more, there are regular opportunities to review the learning that has taken place in previous topics.

At the start of each topic children will review previous learning and will have the opportunity to share what they already know about a current topic. Children are given opportunities, where possible, to study artefacts and primary sources leading to enquiry, investigation and analysis. We also aim to bring the curriculum alive through educational visits or themed activity days.

To support teaching, staff access a range of resources and planning including access to the Historical Association.

The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum supports children’s understanding of History through the planning and teaching of ‘Understanding the World’. This aspect is about how children find out about past and present events in their own lives, their families and other people they know. Children are encouraged to develop a sense of change over time and are given opportunities to differentiate between past and present by observing routines throughout the day, growing plants, observing the passing of seasons and time and looking at photographs of their life and of others. We further extend their interest of the past by looking at the life of Mary Anning during a topic about dinosaurs.

Our history curriculum offers high quality and well planned lessons which encourage progression. Continuity and progression in the curriculum is built around essential knowledge, understanding and key skills within History. This ensures that the learners’ essential skills are being developed, alongside National Curriculum requirements. Furthermore, good historical questioning helps pupils to gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past. Through our curriculum, pupils learn to think critically, ask perceptive questions and evaluate evidence.