History

Our intent for History at Cosby Primary School

History intends to prepare each student for their next phase of education whilst at the same time giving all students a broad and balanced view of the History of Britain and other societies and epochs. In this, students will develop a well-rounded knowledge of the past and its events, with intention to improve every students’ cultural capital, understanding of the world around them and their own heritage. 

The past influences all aspects of our lives and it shapes the customs and beliefs of the communities to which we belong. Learning about the past and the methods used to study helps pupils to make sense of the world in which they live. History at Cosby aims to be ambitious, and motivating. Ambitious in our coverage of History and thorough teaching of Historical skills and knowledge. Motivating, through engaging activities, trips and visitors that give all students an opportunity to question the past.  

At Cosby Primary School, we have designed our History curriculum with the intent that our children will: 

• Become increasingly critical and analytical thinkers
• Possess a secure understanding of the chronology of the British Isles and other import periods of History
• To discover links and connections to the History they learn and the wider community and locality
• Further their knowledge and explanations of change and continuity over time with regards to the history of the British Isles and other societies and epochs
• Differentiate between source types and explain how interpretations in History may differ
• Draw on similarities and differences within given time frames and across previously taught History
• Enquire into Historical themed questions and form their own opinions and interpretation of the past 

Our implementation

Our History Curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression by:
• Providing opportunities for children to develop and acquire historic knowledge and vocabulary, concepts, skills and knowledge of chronology.
• Developing knowledge and skills through cross-curricular activities so as to see links and connections between other subjects in the curriculum.
• Providing opportunities for working individually, co-operatively and collaboratively.
• Developing skills relevant to adult life at home, at work and at leisure, in a fast changing world.
• Developing a curiosity and interest about the past through asking perceptive questions and thinking critically.
• Showing and learning a respect for our inheritance and heritage.
• Developing research and study skills.
• Weighing evidence, sifting arguments and developing perspective and judgement.

The curriculum is led and overseen by the History lead.  As History lead a regular programme of monitoring, evaluation and review and the celebration of good practice will contribute to the ongoing commitment to evolve and improve further.  

The teaching, learning and sequencing of the History curriculum follows: 
• A two-year rolling programme has been implemented to ensure coverage and progression in all knowledge relating to History.
In KS1, the Historical knowledge will focus on the world around them and their living memory of History before moving to events that go beyond living history. This will ensure a firm foundation for KS2 History. 

In LKS2, the History curriculum is focused on early civilisations and British History leading to UKS2 focusing more on the History of the wider world. While teaching the separate times in History, children will use timelines and other resources to help understand where it fits with what they have already learnt.
The progression of knowledge is set out in order to build and develop the following: 
• Chronological Understanding 
• Knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes in the past 
• Connection and Historical Links 
• Interpretations of History 
• Historical Enquiry 

Lessons will develop long term memory by allowing for repetition of learning within the year and year on year.  
Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary is taught within the unit and reinforced throughout the year.  
SMSC and British values are threaded through the History curriculum to link history to their lives and explore their heritage and cultural capital.  

The impact: What will you see?

Children will become increasingly critical and analytical within their thinking. Making informed and balanced judgements based on their knowledge of the past.  

Children will become increasingly aware of how historical events have shaped the world that they currently live in.  

They will also have a further understanding of History on a local level and on a small-scale.   

Children will develop enquiry skills to pursue their own interests within a topic and further questioning.  

Where applicable, children will have encountered or participated in high-quality visits/visitors to further appreciate the impact of History.  

Children are to retain prior-learning and explicitly make connections between what they have previously learned and what they are currently learning.