Intent

History has always been held in high regard at Milking Bank Primary School. We pride ourselves on our creative learning environment and classroom displays. The history curriculum at Milking Bank makes full use of resources within the immediate and wider local area enabling children to develop a deep understanding of the history of their locality. Topics are informed by the National Curriculum and are sensitive to children’s interests, as well as the context of the local area.

The history curriculum at Milking Bank is carefully planned and structured to ensure that current learning is linked to previous learning and that the school’s approaches are informed by current pedagogy.

In line with the National Curriculum 2014, the curriculum at Milking Bank aims to ensure that all pupils: Gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world which helps to stimulate pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past; Are encouraged to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement; Begin to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.

Implementation

History is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics through the use of Chris Quigley’s Milestones.

By the end of year 6, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this are studies of world history, such as the ancient civilisations of Greece and the Egyptians. Cross curricular outcomes in history are specifically planned for, with strong links between the history curriculum and literacy lessons enabling further contextual learning. The local area is also fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice. Planning is informed by and aligned with the National Curriculum. 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 history and theme books, evidence a broad and balanced history curriculum and demonstrate the children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge.

Children review the agreed successes at the end of every session and are actively encouraged to consider their next steps, with support from their teachers. Children are also asked what they have learned comparative to their starting points at the end of every topic.