Intent – how we have planned our history curriculum

The study of history involves engaging pupils in investigating questions about people and events in the past in order to enable them to better understand their lives today and for a future as more informed and enlightened citizens.  Through the study of history pupils also develop a wide range of critical thinking skills, which enable them to understand the contested nature of knowledge and to distinguish between ‘fact’ and subjectivity when it comes to reaching conclusions and making judgements about the past.  With this in mind we have established a school curriculum plan for history as an entitlement for all pupils that is:

• Aspirational in terms of instilling in our pupils a desire to achieve the highest levels of success through providing them with the opportunities to excel in terms of their acquisition of long lasting knowledge and understanding and mastery of core historical skills. 
• Prepare children for the next stage of their learning and have the necessary skills to be able to question, research and think historically ready for Year 7
• Designed over a four year rolling period in KS2 to ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum due to our mixed age classes
• Designed over a 2 year rolling period in KS1 to ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum due to our mixed age classes
• Logical and broad and balanced in terms of the areas of subject content we have selected which reflect the guidance and the demands of the National Curriculum.  For example we have ensured that content includes representative investigations of British history spanning the period from the Stone Age to the Norman invasion of 1066 as well as enquiries focusing on the achievements of ancient civilizations such as the Maya, the Shang Dynasty and Ancient Greece;
• Relevant in terms of the careful consideration that has been given to the selection of historical enquiries that extend the knowledge and understanding of pupils beyond 1066 e.g. evaluating the significance of the Battle of Britain  (KS2) The Great Fire of London (KS1)
• Progressively more challenging Years 1 through 6 both in terms of the complexity of the subject knowledge we want our pupils to acquire and also the critical thinking skills we support them to utilise to ensure they understand the significance of that knowledge.  These anticipated outcomes in knowledge and understanding and skills acquisition are detailed in the objectives of the detailed scheme of work for each enquiry. 
• Built upon and has continuity with the provision for history established in the Early Years Foundation Stage and in particular that which addresses the knowledge and skills expectations of the Understanding the World;
• Inclusive in terms of delivering the same curriculum to all of our pupils irrespective of specific learning needs or disabilities and differentiating where necessary through, for example,  in class support, providing different learning environments, alternative learning activities and assessment outcomes.
• Our history curriculum is ambitious and designed to give all pupils including SEND and disadvantaged children the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life.
• Opportunity to enrich the history curriculum through trips and visits is utilised after the pandemic