History at St George’s: “It’s really, really, really fun!” Liam, Year 6.
Intent
At St George’s, we aim to develop a secure understanding and awareness of chronology and the passing of time. We want the children to understand local, national and world events from the past which have had an impact on their lives. We do this by teaching topics carefully chosen from The National Curriculum. History is taught creatively and, very often, in a cross-curricular manner. Topics are delivered weekly, every other half-term which allows children to “know more and remember more”. Some year groups hold a historical-themed day (such as Viking Day in Year 4) where the children are encouraged to dress up and/or receive workshops delivered by experts in their topic. These theme days, coupled with lessons which promote enquiry, enable children to “enjoy and achieve” in history lessons.
Teaching and Learning
At St. George’s, we have planned a broad and balanced curriculum. Lessons and activities are inclusive and engaging to all children.
Key themes and concepts have been identified throughout the curriculum. Planning ensures that these historical concepts are revisited and built upon during each child’s journey through school. Our school’s historical concepts are the following: Monarch, Religion, Conflict, Invasion, Settlement, Civilisation and Empire.
In the Foundation stage, children discuss as a class their own personal history and time-line of their lives so far. They look at how they change from a baby, to a toddler, to starting school. In the summer term, children learn all about dinosaurs and the children go on a trip to Hoo Zoo to really get them enthused!
In Key Stage 1, the children look at topics such as Kings and Queens, Toys and Houses and Homes. These are one per term to allow children to really get engrossed in the topics and to allow for lots of cross-curricular links to be made. Where appropriate, children may be taken on an educational visit linked to the topic we have been covering.
In Key Stage 2, the children learn about a variety of different historical periods. They discover how people lived in that specific time era, how that era impacted on us now and differences between now and then. In lessons, IT is frequently used by the children to conduct research and present their findings. When possible, children are taken on educational visits (such as Blists Hill or Ironbridge) to really immerse themselves in that specific period of time.
To enrich our curriculum, we encourage the children to engage with and appreciate their local history. We hold a local history week where the children learn about significant topics in our local area (mining, the church etc.). Beautiful artwork based on each topic is then produced to contribute to a St. George’s themed year group display.
Overview
To find out more about what your child is learning in history and which historical concepts will be covered in the topic, please see the whole school history planning below and visit their class blog.
Assessment
At the start of each topic, the children will be asked to complete an initial assessment designed to establish their current understanding. They will then complete an end of topic assessment. This will highlight progression made by each child during each topic. As a school, we encourage children to “know more and remember more”. To help the children succeed with this, we complete regular quizzes of previous years’ historical topics. This allows children to revisit their learning and further embed it.
Should you wish to support your child, this website has lots of history quizzes to aid your child’s understanding: https://www.educationquizzes.com/.
Further learning
We all want our history to be fun and full of laughs. Here is a link to some Horrible History videos for your children to laugh along to and learn some fun facts:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b00sp0l8/horrible-histories
Should you wish to find out more or support your child at home with their learning, please click on the following links:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/239035/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_History.pdf
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/
History subject leaders
Madison Rogers
Clare Holt
Emily Haynes
Adam Richards
History policy 2024