History
At Sandringham and West Newton Primary Academy, we recognise the significance of a robust history curriculum as a critical element in fostering a well-rounded education. We believe that high-quality history lessons not only inspire children to delve deeper into the past but also cultivate their ability to think and act like historians. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to link historical learning to a variety of engaging topics, providing children with opportunities to investigate and interpret significant events and figures from the past. This approach enables pupils to develop an understanding of chronology, construct an overarching narrative of Britain’s history, and explore the histories of the wider world, while also honing their ability to communicate effectively using historical terminology and concepts.
Our history curriculum leverages both immediate and expansive local resources, allowing children to acquire a profound understanding of their locality’s rich historical tapestry. In alignment with the National Curriculum 2014, our teaching at Sandringham and West Newton Primary Academy aims to ensure that all children attain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. This foundation not only stimulates children’s curiosity but also encourages the development of critical reasoning skills essential for their academic and personal growth.
Key objectives of the curriculum include encouraging students to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, and sift through arguments to forge their perspectives and judgment. History lessons are designed to immerse pupils in the complexities of people’s lives, illuminating the processes of change and the diversity of societies across time. By exploring relationships between different groups, students also gain insight into their identities and the challenges they face in contemporary society.
The implementation of our history curriculum is structured to ensure both depth and breadth of learning. History lessons are usually delivered weekly for half a term, alternating with Geography, or in comprehensive blocks throughout the academic year. This format is intentional, allowing students to immerse themselves fully in each topic and fostering a deeper understanding of the material. Teachers have carefully identified key knowledge and skills pertinent to each historical unit, and a considered progression of learning has been established across year groups, facilitating an effective building of knowledge.
At the onset of each topic, students are encouraged to articulate their prior knowledge as well as express their enquiries about what they wish to learn. This reflective practice informs the programme of study and ensures that lessons are tailored to accommodate the varying starting points of all pupils. By the end of Year 6, students will have cultivated a chronological understanding of British history, spanning from the Stone Age to modern times. They will possess the capacity to draw comparisons and establish connections between disparate periods, relating historical events to their own lives. Complementary to this chronological scope are studies of world history, including significant civilisations such as those of Ancient Greece and the Mayans.
Moreover, our curriculum fully integrates the local community, providing opportunities for learning beyond the classroom walls. Field trips and local history projects enrich the educational experience and deepen pupils’ engagement with the subject matter. By connecting learning to their immediate surroundings, students develop a more tangible understanding of history and its relevance to their lives today.
To evaluate the effectiveness of our history curriculum, outcomes in topic books serve as a valuable measure of children’s progress. These books reflect a broad and balanced history curriculum, evidencing the acquisition of the identified key knowledge and skills. At the culmination of each unit of work, pupils reflect on their learning in relation to their initial starting points. This practice not only reinforces their understanding but also serves as a tool for teachers to assess the impact of their instruction.
Emphasis is placed on analytical thinking and questioning throughout the history curriculum, providing pupils with the framework necessary to gain a coherent understanding of Britain’s past and the complexities of the wider world. The ability to ask perceptive questions fosters a culture of inquiry, critical thinking, and engagement with historical narratives. Our aim is for students to develop a sense of curiosity that will drive them to explore history beyond the classroom and integrate historical knowledge into their everyday lives.
Furthermore, our curriculum fosters historical empathy by allowing pupils to navigate the nuances of different societies and cultures. As they engage with diverse perspectives, students learn to appreciate the richness of human experience, understanding that every historical account is shaped by context and viewpoint. It is through the examination of sources, artefacts, and testimonies that pupils can construct informed accounts of the past, embedding the importance of evidence-based historical scholarship in their learning.
Ultimately, the impact of our history curriculum is evident through the enthusiasm and engagement of pupils as they delve into their studies. As they explore the past, children develop skills that transcend the subject area, including analytical thinking, effective communication, and an appreciation for diversity. The ability to consider various perspectives and understand the complexities of human experience prepares them to be thoughtful, informed citizens in an increasingly globalised world.
Our history curriculum is a comprehensive framework designed to inspire, challenge, and engage children. Through intentional planning, reflective practices, and a commitment to high-quality historical education, we aim to cultivate a generation of learners who are well-versed in the past and equipped to contribute thoughtfully to society. Our aspiration is that every child leaves our school with a passion for history and a deep understanding of how the past informs their present and future.