History
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children.”
Deuteronomy 4:9
History Curriculum Intent & Guiding Principles
Our vision for primary history seeks to ignite curiosity, cultivate a sense of identity and belonging, and foster critical thinking skills by exploring diverse perspectives, significant events, and key historical concepts in an engaging and accessible manner, empowering pupils to understand the complexities of the past and its relevance to the present and future.
At Our Lady of Walsingham, we are all historians! Our intent is to ignite a passion for History; to equip our children with the knowledge, skills and understanding to become the next generation of historians! We encourage children to be curious and excited to learn about Britain’s past and that of the wider world and understand that History could also shape their future. A high-quality History curriculum encompasses topics which aim to foster awe and wonder and drive children to ask questions linked to the period of time they are studying. Through our teaching of History, we aim to equip children with both the tools and confidence to ask perceptive questions, reflect critically, challenge viewpoints and develop their own judgements based on historical evidence. In order to provide a range of opportunities for our children to develop as independent, successful learners with high aspirations, our history curriculum is also intrinsically linked to our build curriculum.
Creating a culture of excitement around history: We believe that children learn best when they are inspired and motivated. Therefore, we aim to connect historical events, figures, and concepts to present-day issues, interests, and experiences. We aim to frame history as a series of compelling narratives rather than a list of dates and facts. Use storytelling techniques to bring historical events to life, incorporating vivid details, characters, and plot twists. We promote collaborative inquiry and discussion among learners, allowing them to share ideas, ask questions, and engage in dialogue about historical topics.
Supporting staff with the necessary knowledge, skills, and professional development: We recognise that effective teaching of History requires continuous learning and professional development. We aim to ensure that staff have a strong understanding of historical content relevant to the primary curriculum, including key events, figures, and concepts. Provide opportunities for professional development and ongoing learning to deepen staff's content knowledge in primary history. We aim to equip staff with effective pedagogical strategies for teaching history to primary-aged students, such as inquiry-based learning, storytelling, hands-on activities, and use of primary sources. We offer training and resources on age-appropriate teaching methods and instructional techniques for engaging young learners in historical inquiry and provide guidance on selecting and adapting primary history resources and materials to meet the needs and interests of primary students.
Ongoing assessment to monitor pupil progress: We establish clear and measurable learning objectives for history instruction, aligned with curriculum standards and objectives. The objectives are clearly communicated to pupils so they understand what they are expected to learn and achieve. We provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their historical understanding through synoptic tasks, such as analysing primary sources, creating historical narratives, and engaging in historical inquiry projects. We use assessment as a tool for learning by providing timely and constructive feedback to pupils on their progress and areas for improvement. Encourage students to reflect on their own learning and set goals for further development in history.
Providing a rich and diverse range of reading materials: We understand that providing a rich and diverse range of reading materials for primary history is crucial for fostering a love of learning, building historical knowledge, and developing critical thinking skills in pupils. We encourage pupils to engage critically with reading materials by asking questions, making connections, evaluating evidence, and considering multiple perspectives. We aim to foster a culture of independent reading by providing pupils with opportunities to select and explore history reading materials based on their interests and preferences. Create a classroom library that offers a wide selection of history books and texts for pupils to choose from.
Encouraging high-quality interactions: We foster high-quality interactions through purposeful and structured discussions that promote deep thinking and reflection. We establish a classroom culture that values open communication, respect for diverse perspectives, and active participation. We create a safe and inclusive space where pupils feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, asking questions, and engaging in dialogue about historical topics.
Modelling new language and accurate vocabulary & grammar: We believe that introducing and consistently using accurate historical vocabulary helps students build a robust word bank necessary for understanding and discussing historical topics. Modelling correct grammar and sentence structures helps pupils internalize the patterns of academic language, which is essential for both writing and speaking. We understand that the use of accurate vocabulary ensures that students grasp precise historical concepts and terms, which is essential for their overall understanding of the subject. Also, using clear and accurate language minimizes the risk of misunderstandings and misconceptions about historical events and ideas. We know that when pupils hear and use accurate language, they become more confident in their ability to discuss complex historical topics. Using rich and varied language makes history lessons more engaging and stimulating, capturing pupils’ interest and imagination.
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History Curriculum Map
History implementation on a page
Humanities Lesson Structure
Parent Support
The resources below can help parents support their children's history education by providing engaging, curriculum-aligned activities and materials. Whether through interactive quizzes, detailed lesson plans, or hands-on activities, these websites offer diverse ways to explore history at home.
BBC Bitesize: BBC Bitesize offers a variety of resources for primary history education. They have interactive games, videos, and articles covering various historical topics suitable for primary school children.
The National Archives: The National Archives website provides a wealth of primary source materials and teaching resources that parents can use to teach history to their children. They offer online exhibitions, historical documents, and lesson plans.
Historical Association: The Historical Association has a dedicated section for primary history resources on their website. Parents can find lesson plans, activities, and ideas for teaching history at home.
Primary Homework Help: This website offers a section specifically for history, providing information and resources on various historical topics that primary school children are likely to study.
British Museum: The British Museum's website offers virtual tours and online resources related to history and archaeology. Parents can explore ancient civilizations and historical artifacts with their children through these resources.
Royal Museums Greenwich: This website provides educational resources related to maritime history, astronomy, and British history. They offer online exhibits, interactive games, and learning resources suitable for primary school children.
Horrible Histories: The Horrible Histories series has an official website with games, videos, and quizzes based on the popular books and TV series. It offers a fun and engaging way for children to learn about history.
English Heritage: English Heritage provides educational resources and activities for families, including downloadable activity packs and virtual tours of historical sites across England.
National Geographic Kids: While not UK-specific, National Geographic Kids offers a range of articles, videos, and quizzes on historical topics suitable for primary school children.