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
Class 3 Missing Words Project
Class 3 had a wonderful day at Helmshore Mill taking part in a themed day, arranged by the Lancashire Heritage Team. The children worked together, creating imagery to match acordian music, writing lyrics to sing along with it and composing a brand-new song! They also tried on clogs, learning steps to accompany their song.
The children had the exciting opportunity to tour Helmshore Mill, bringing their history learning to life. As they explored the mill, they were able to make meaningful connections between what they have studied in the classroom and the real-world setting, deepening their understanding of the past through hands-on experience.
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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!
Black History Month
The theme for Black History Month was 'Standing Firm with Power and Pride'. Across school, children learnt about some key individuals that have shaped our world today and how we can follow in those footsteps for ourselves. We made links with current significant individuals who are making changes today.
Each class produced a piece of work that they shared in a special assembly.
