History Subject Information

History is overseen by the Understanding the World Hub, with Miss Edmunds as the Hub Leader and Miss Adams as the Subject Leader responsible specifically for History. Working collaboratively, they oversee the running of History and ensuring high quality teaching and learning across the school.

History is an important part of a child’s understanding of the world around them, and historical understanding in Birchington CE Primary School is taught from Reception through to Year 6. We have created a well sequenced and progressive curriculum map which builds on children’s understanding throughout the school. These can be found in the ‘Long Term Planning Grids’ and ‘Skills Guide’ section. These curriculum maps have taken in consideration the National Curriculum aims, which emphasises the importance of a high-quality History education which includes both historical knowledge and skills, hence the ‘Long Term Planning Grid’ focussing on knowledge and ‘Skills Guide’ focussing on skill.

At Birchington CE Primary School, we encourage children to think as historians through in-depth and immersive studies of the past and present. We use a combination of teaching specific subject knowledge and historical skills which are key to children’s understanding of the subject. As well as wanting children to understand and have knowledge of key events from the past we want them to develop skills alongside that. Such skills can include reflecting on how the past has impacted the present, appreciating human development, understanding and upholding the values of society and having a chronological understanding of events in the past.

We believe that providing a rich history curriculum gives children a sense of identify and heritage.

Subject Overview

At Birchington CE Primary School, we encourage children to think as historians through in-depth and immersive studies of the past and present. We use a combination of teaching specific subject knowledge and historical skills which are key to children’s understanding of the subject. As well as wanting children to understand and have knowledge of key events from the past we want them to develop skills alongside that. Such skills can include reflecting on how the past has impacted the present, appreciating human development, understanding and upholding the values of society and having a chronological understanding of events in the past. We believe that providing a rich History curriculum gives children a sense of identify and heritage.

Rationale

Our History curriculum has been designed to provide all pupils, with consideration for pupil’s unique starting points, with secure knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and the wider world. We believe it is important that we have an aspirational curriculum, based on the National Curriculum, which inspires pupil’s curiosity and encourages questioning and interpretation to support the development of historical skills. Through developing such skills, we want to embed children with knowledge of our place in the world and how the past has led to the complex diverse societies that we have now.

Making it Real

At Birchington CE Primary School we believe that an immersive curriculum brings children’s learning to life. Throughout the year, we have 2 subject days which focus upon Remembrance, Black History Month. Across the school, we hold a minute’s silence for Remembrance as well as everyone taking part in learning about the relevance of Remembrance and commemorating through creating Remembrance artwork. We encourage thoughtful discussions about those who have been in war zones or conflict as well as considering the impact it has on the lives of family and friends or those who live near an area of conflict.

An important part of History is understanding how peoples lived have shaped Britain and the wider word, so during Black History Month we explore significant historical figures from black history who have made changes to the world. We want to ensure that children are aware of the importance of issues of racism and how it has influenced society both in past and present. Our learning for Black History Month is carried out through collective worships and everyone partakes in a Black History lesson. We have also purchased a range of books which celebrate diversity, to further embed the significance of equality.

Something which we are particularly proud of is the variety of experience days which link to our History topics. Year 1 – Questions to grandparents/ relatives and interview a nurse

Year 2- Great Fire of London Workshop

Year 4 Samphire Hoe Trip, workshop Stone Age

Year 5 Trip to Ramsgate Tunnels - WWII

Year 6 Trip to Powell Cotton Museum

Year 6 Walk of local area, local history study of Victorians

These immersive experiences really help to bring History to life and support children’s understanding of how History has shaped the world today.