History

“Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Winston Churchill.

“History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves and our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.” Robert Penn Warren

Subject Coordinator: Mr Ball

Subject Link Governor: Mrs D Hardwick

VISION AND INTENT

At Rangeworthy our history curriculum aims to develop the 4 key historical skills, which are as follows:

  1. Chronological understanding (when things happened, and what happened)
  2. Accessing evidence (being able to understand evidence presented)
  3. Using evidence (answering an enquiry question)
  4. Historical Communication (presentation of some form)

This will be achieved by the study of historical periods, including local, national, and international history.

CURRICULUM AND IMPLEMENTATION

At Rangeworthy our history curriculum is based on a chronological path of study once the children reach KS2. In KS1, the children learn all about history in relation to themselves (living memory) as well as key historical figures and events.

In KS2 we cover topics from the Stone Age right the way up to modern history since 1948.

An average of 6-8 lessons per topic. The first few lessons of each topic will be spent on:

  • Securing the chronology of the topic (key events and people). To enable this, knowledge organisers, timelines, key words, and low-stakes knowledge quizzes.
  • Next section will be spent looking at evidence – primary and secondary, what can they teach us, Y5-6 look at interpretations and usefulness + purpose
  • Final 2-3 lessons will be spent planning and answering the stated enquiry question. The enquiry question will be clear and visible from lesson 1, and will give purpose to the topic
  • Last lesson will be presentation of answer – this will alter depending of the form of historical communication being developed.

CULTURAL CAPITAL AND ENRICHMENT

The pupils will have developed the four skills and will have a secure understanding of the chronology of the UK and the wider world. To ensure this has occurred, the historical communication facet of the topic will have set success criteria which the teacher will utilise to assess progress and understanding. This success criteria will be differentiated to enable scaffolding and appropriate challenge levels.

If a pupil does not meet the success criteria, a short follow up task will be provided by the teacher to ensure the pupil develops in all necessary areas. This will be used in conjunction with in-class formative assessment and the regular low-stakes retrieval quizzes.

Our children have experienced a number of enrichment activities for history this year, with more planned for the new year.

KS1:

  • Trip to Berkeley Castle

KS2:

  • Anglo Saxon Workshop: With visitors attending school
  • Egyptian Experience.
  • Local history walk.