History | Howick Church of England Primary School

We believe that a well-rounded History curriculum will allow children to gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. We have carefully designed our History curriculum so that children gain this knowledge as they progress through the school. We also recognise the important role that History plays in preparing our children with the skills they can use for life, raising their aspirations, understanding change and societal development and a context in which to understand themselves and others.

Through our History curriculum we aim to inspire pupils’ curiosity about the past. We give our children time to think critically, reflect on arguments and evidence, ask perceptive questions and develop perspective and judgement. We want our children to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and the relationships between different groups as well as their own identify and the challenges of their time. We believe that teaching our children like this will enable them to develop life long skills to prepare them for high school and beyond.

Implementation

History is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. At the beginning of each topic, children are able to convey what they know already as well as what they would like to find out. The use of year group knowledge books which travel with the children throughout their time at Howick are also used to explore previous learning and make links. This informs the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points. Consideration is given to how greater depth will be taught, learnt and demonstrated within each lesson, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.

Impact
Outcomes in books, pupil voice and photographs evidence a broad and balanced history curriculum and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Children review their successes in achieving the lesson objectives at the end of every session and are actively encouraged to identify their own target areas. As children progress throughout the school, they develop a deep knowledge, understanding an appreciation of present, recent past and history beyond the live of our families today.

Curriculum Overviews

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VE Day

The whole school had a wonderful time celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Each class had a theme to investigate with the whole school coming together with our families to share our learning at the end of the day. We also enjoyed a street party lunch and dancing!

Toys from the past. What a fantastic hands on experience we had from the Heritage Team and from our Grandparents. We were shown and could experience a wide selection of toys from the past. We compared these with that of our own and realised that there are many similarities in the toys we use today.

Black History Month

Children chose a theme to focus on this year for Black History Month. Across school, children learnt about some key individuals that have shaped our world today. We learnt about those who have impacted on sports, music, literature and art. All classes enjoyed sharing their work as part of our celebration assembly. Well done to all the children, they showed respect and an enthusiastic attitude towards all their learning..

Timeline

We have a new timeline in Key Stage 2, personalised to include the key events we look at in our curriculum. We look forward to this helping our children with their understanding of chronology.

Ancient Greeks Visit

So as to enrich and enhance the learning taking place in class, we arranged for an outreach session led by a representative from Lancashire Heritage. This fun filled, interactive session gave our children the opportunity to revisit and extend the work covered in class.

Black History Month

As part of Black History Month we have been learning about Harriet Tubman who helped lots of people gain their freedom in 1849. We made a patchwork freedom quilt to show what freedom means to us. Quilts with signs and symbols were important when helping people use the Underground Railroad to find freedom. Well done Class 4.

Class 1: Black History

As part of their learning about Black History, Class 1 have enjoyed learning about courageous superheroes. They have been learning about Rosa Parks and have begun to gather ideas on how they can positively impact society today. During their learning, the children spoke about the courageous changes Rosa made and how, even though she must have been scared at times, she stood up for what she believed and made a change.

Well done Class 1!