Our aim at Withington Primary School is to encourage pupils to develop an appreciation and understanding of the past, evaluating a range of primary and secondary sources. Our historians will also be able to explain clearly how these sources give us an insight about how people around the world used to live and how these interpretations may differ. Pupils will be taught to make links between these areas of learning, with the aim of developing engaged, motivated and curious learners that can reflect on the past and make meaningful links to the present day. Our History curriculum has been designed to cover all of the skills, knowledge and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum states that ‘a high-quality history education will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. It should inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past.’

History concepts are intertwined within our timetabled history lessons and are also drawn upon in some English lessons. In order for the children to know more and remember more in each area of the history studied, there is a structure of lessons planned and sequenced by the class teacher, in discussion with co-ordinator, whereby prior learning is always considered and the opportunities for revision of facts and historical understanding are built into these lessons. However, this is not to say that they are followed rigidly as lessons may take a different direction depending on children’s historical understanding. Through revisiting and consolidating skills, the school offers a platform for building on prior knowledge but also introducing new skills and challenge. Within these lessons, key vocabulary is built in and applied. Teachers guide and articulate accurate historical knowledge that inspire pupils to develop a love of history and to see how it has shaped the world in which they live in.

We want to ensure that history is enjoyed by both teachers and pupils across the school therefore encouraging them to want to build on this wealth of historical knowledge and understanding now and in the future. Impact is measured through key questioning built into lessons, through regular marking on children’s work, KWL girds and summative assessments aimed at targeting next steps within learning. Each classroom has a topic display which aids children’s historical knowledge as key vocabulary/dates are visible for children to access.