Intent

At Elworth Hall Primary School we want our pupils to be inspired to know more about Britain's past and that of the wider world. Knowledge of Britain's past can help them to understand the challenges of our own time. It engages pupils in questions about people and events in the past and helps pupils to understand the present and prepare them for the future!

The programme of study for history states that ‘History helps pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationship between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.’

Teaching should also equip pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.

A historian needs:

*Thorough investigative and research skills 

*Good communication skills 

*An interest in human behaviour, culture and society 

*An enquiring mind 

Implementation: How is History taught at Elworth Hall?

We deliver a history curriculum that focuses on developing pupil’s perspective questions, encourages pupils to think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments and prospective and judgement.

History teaching at Elworth focuses on enabling pupils to think as historians. An emphasis is placed on examining primary and secondary sources, pictures and texts.

We recognise and values the value of stories in history teaching and regards this as an important way of stimulating curiosity about the past.

We focus on helping pupils understand that historical events can be interpreted in different ways and that they are encouraged to ask critical questions when looking at the provenance of sources.

History is taught throughout Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 once a week for 1 hour.  At Key Stage 1 this will usually consist of a Photo Evidence lesson to enable the children to learn a new concept and investigate some artefacts or activities associated with this concept. Then a follow up lesson will be a written task where they can apply the knowledge that they have learnt in the previous lesson. At Key Stage 2 students will usually have a Photo Evidence lesson and 2 written lessons. Each lesson in History will be differentiated to ensure equal access to knowledge and there will be a deeper thinking question which will really challenge the students and give them the opportunity to show their knowledge.

At Elworth, History is planned and delivered at a very high standard and we set very high expectations for the students in the lesson. We expect the work in their books to be at the same standard as their English books. Teachers consistently identify gaps and reiterate children by reviewing the previous lesson and instilling new vocabulary.

Impact

The history curriculum will make a profound and positive impact on the outcomes of every pupil. The structure enables us to return to core knowledge and skills throughout the course, embedding key practises and understanding.

Core knowledge in each unit is supported by a knowledge organiser which details the key learning points, vocabulary and key questions. It is our expectation that the knowledge on our organiser is known by all.

We endeavour to create strong and appropriate links with other subjects to enhance the curriculum and learning experience.

The History Curriculum will enable our pupils to make effective decisions, make links across areas of learning, and be respectful of the views of others, as well as developing their understanding significant aspects of the history of the wider world. Each child’s understanding will be assessed regularly, and Verbal Feedback will be given in the lesson. Deeper Thinking tasks and purple pen questions will allow the teacher to assess the students understanding. Book checks will be carried out regularly to check that the impact of the teaching is shown in the responses that they students give.

Each lesson teachers re-cap previously taught knowledge in the form or quizzes and low stakes testing which supports pupils to retain the knowledge that has been taught.