History
Purpose of Study
A high-quality history education will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and the wider world. It should inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. Teaching should equip pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgment. History helps pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.
Source: National Curriculum, 2014
Intent
At Ilchester Community Primary School we aim to inspire our children to become inquisitive and curious individuals who will gain a coherent knowledge of history locally, nationally and beyond. Children will have a clear understanding of the chronology of British history and that of the wider world while using a range of enquiry skills to support them to formulate decisions based on the past. By providing a rich and engaging learning experience, children will develop an awareness of how history shapes our present and future and they will be equipped with the essential knowledge and skills to become active and informed citizens.
Ilchester as a place holds much history with its own museum and it is well known as a Roman town. The school have good links with the community and as such use this to enhance curriculum learning.
Implementation
We are committed to delivering a high-quality History curriculum, which will be effectively implemented through the following methods:
Broad and Balanced Curriculum:
We have designed a carefully planned and sequenced curriculum that covers a wide range of historical topics and themes. It includes significant periods in British and world history, offering a balanced view that encompasses local, national, and global perspectives. The curriculum is progressive, building on prior knowledge and skills while establishing connections between different time periods.
Engaging and Authentic Learning Experiences:
We aim to provide students with immersive and authentic learning experiences. This includes field trips to museums, historical sites, and locations of local significance, as well as inviting expert speakers and organising workshops. We also utilise historical resources and artifacts to enhance the learning process.
Emphasis on Inquiry-Based Learning:
We encourage our students to think like historians by fostering their enquiry, critical thinking, and interpretation skills. Through questioning, researching, and analysing evidence, students learn to draw conclusions and form well-supported historical arguments.
Explicit Vocabulary Teaching:
We understand the importance of language development in history and explicitly teach subject-specific vocabulary. This helps students understand and effectively communicate historical concepts, events, and processes.
Inclusion and Cultural Diversity:
We prioritise historical diversity and inclusion in our curriculum, representing a variety of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This approach helps students develop an understanding and respect for different viewpoints, fostering empathy and tolerance.
Impact
At Ilchester Community Primary School, the impact of high-quality teaching in History will cultivate a love and enthusiasm for the subject. Student feedback will provide evidence that pupils can speak confidently and passionately about what they have learned in History, using subject-specific vocabulary. This feedback will also show that many children enjoy History and can recall their learning over time, as they are encouraged to make connections to prior knowledge.
All our students will have the opportunity to participate in visits or engage with visitors to deepen their appreciation of History's impact. Planning and book reviews will confirm that History is taught at an age-appropriate level. The students' work will reflect high quality, demonstrating that they are acquiring knowledge, skills, and vocabulary in a coherent sequence. Assessments will indicate that pupils have a solid understanding of the material, use key vocabulary effectively, and cover all skills outlined in the progression.
Examples of Work
