The History Curriculum at Carrington Junior School
Intent
Our aim is to equip pupils with a range and depth of historical knowledge so that they can develop an enquiring mind. Pupils will understand that there can be different interpretations of historical events and make informed deductions from a range of historical sources, making an informed decision about whether sources are fact-based or opinion based. They will be given the opportunity to explore and communicate historical themes and artefacts in a variety of ways. They will understand how the availability of resources has impacted and driven historical events and time periods. The delivery of the history curriculum is strongly supported by trips and visits which enable pupils to experience details from the past in a ‘first hand’ way.
There are strong curricular links between history, geography, English and PSHE, allowing pupils to understand events in the world around them in the wider context of time, as well as starting to understand how and why people behave differently. History also has particularly strong links with English and computing in relation to the concept of bias and truthfulness when reading published articles and looking at the written word- an essential skill in an increasingly technology reliant world.
Implementation:
- History units will begin with identifying what learners already know and what they want to find out to help ascertain the starting points of individuals.
- Knowledge organisers will be used to help children know and remember more.
- Lessons will help pupils identify key historical skills used in order to develop our learners to be “mini historians”.
- Lessons will include opportunities to discuss and share ideas to promote critical thinking.
- Lessons will include regular fluency opportunities to help learners to make links between what they already know and new knowledge and skills.
- Lessons will always start with reference to the ‘Big Picture’ and explicitly teach new vocabulary so learners can develop their historical vocabulary.
- Lessons will be assessed through pupils independently completing knowledge records and these will be used to inform unit assessments in conjunction with a final independent assessment.
