History

At The John Wesley School CEM Primary School (JWS), we shape our history curriculum to ensure it is fully inclusive to every child. Our aims are to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for History; providing a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum that encompasses the British Values throughout; ensuring the progressive development of historical concepts, knowledge and skills; and for the children to study life in the past.

 Intent

At JWS, we strive to deliver a high-quality History curriculum that inspires pupils’ curiosity and fascination about Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Our teaching equips pupils with a secure knowledge and understanding of British history and how it has both influenced and been influenced by the wider world. Pupils also explore significant aspects of world history, including ancient civilisations and empires, as well as changes within and beyond living memory.

Through the study of significant historical figures and events, pupils develop an understanding of historical enquiry, learning how to ask perceptive questions, analyse evidence, and draw informed conclusions. We aim for children not only to acquire key historical knowledge and skills, but also to develop a genuine enjoyment and love of History. This is achieved through engaging classroom learning, alongside enriching opportunities such as fieldwork and educational visits, which bring the subject to life.

 Implementation

In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in history, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. History is taught as part of our Connected Curriculum, focusing on knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum. At JWS, we ensure that history has the same importance given to it as the core subjects, as we feel this is important in enabling all children to gain ‘real-life’ experiences. For example, using the local area to look at how buildings have changed in Key Stage 1, to comparing the similarities and differences in environments and communities in Lower Key Stage 2, through to looking at an in-depth study of the locality in Upper Key Stage 2.

After being taught formal History lessons for each unit, children in Key Stage 1 engage in carefully planned continuous provision activities that support and extend their historical knowledge and skills. In Key Stage 2, pupils further develop these skills through a range of enhanced provision tasks designed to deepen understanding and promote historical enquiry. Activities may be adult-led or adult-supported where appropriate, alongside opportunities for independent learning, enabling pupils to build confidence, resilience, and independence as historians.

 Impact

The impact of our History curriculum is measured by ensuring that pupils at JWS develop a secure understanding of key historical knowledge and skills, preparing them effectively for the Key Stage 3 curriculum and for life beyond primary school.

We aim for pupils to develop a genuine enjoyment of History, fostering curiosity and a lifelong interest in the past that encourages them to embrace new experiences and learning opportunities both now and in the future.

By the time pupils leave JWS, they will have developed strong independent study and presentation skills, equipping them with the confidence and competencies needed to succeed throughout their continued education and into adult life.

 Useful links for home:

Key Stage 1 History BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zkqmhyc

Key Stage 2 History BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zcw76sg

Natural History Museum - https://www.nhm.ac.uk/

History for Kids - https://www.historyforkids.net/

BBC Horrible Histories - https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/shows/horrible-histories

National Geographic Kids - https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/

History Homework Help - https://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/history/index.html

Historical Association (some resources are free but others need a paid membership) - https://www.history.org.uk/primary/categories/content?srsltid=AfmBOoqw32_GAN_ie1PeFzHyhOu9IDomQS8ZuBruVtAeanWam4JKbRsg