History

Intent:
At Manorcroft we intend for all children to have a rich history curriculum which gives them a thirst to find out more about the past. Throughout their time at school, children will have the opportunity to learn about a range of historical time periods and cultures from the past. They will be able to ask and answer historical questions, to investigate artefacts, use sources to gather information and immerse themselves in the past through engaging lessons, school trips and workshops.

Implementation:
Across the whole school, we use Cornerstones as a tool to support the teaching of history through a project based approach. This follows the knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum 2014 and Early Years Framework, 2021. The projects have been carefully planned to ensure coverage and progression of skills, as well as allowing for children to build upon their disciplinary knowledge, year on year. Our project based curriculum is designed to ensure that children remember more in the long term. At the end of the units of learning, children are given an innovate task to complete which asks them to apply the knowledge and skills that they have learnt in that project. For example, children in Y2 find out about various important historical figures and then write non-chronological reports about the impact they have had and children in Y3 discover a new burial site and write up their findings as archaeologists.  History is taught within and beyond the classroom as part of our commitment to outdoor learning.

In EYFS, we provide children with the opportunity to discuss the changes in their own lives and the lives of others. Children also learn about events in the distant past and learn to use simple vocabulary to describe the passing of time.

In KS1, the children are provided with opportunities to develop an understanding of how past events have influenced life today. They learn about events which are significant nationally and globally and how the achievements of individuals has had a significant impact on people in the past and present day.

In KS2, the pupils continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study. Through their thinking about the cause and consequences of people and past events on Britain and the world today, they answer historical questions using a variety of sources and their historical interpretation and enquiry of these. They use their organisation and communication skills to share their knowledge and understanding.  

Impact:
Children at Manorcroft are enthusiastic about history and show they are curious to know more about the past. This is demonstrated through the work presented, displays seen around the school, excitement in the lessons and questions they ask to find out more. Children are able to make links to local, national and world history. They know how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world. They understand historical concepts such as cause and consequence, comparison and significance, and use them to make connections, frame historically-valid questions and create their own structured accounts, including written narratives and analyses.