History Curriculum

History

Intent

At Westhead Lathom St James’ CE Primary School, our History curriculum is thoughtfully designed to foster a deep understanding of the past while shaping students into informed, responsible citizens. We believe that history is essential for helping children make sense of the present and envision their role in the future. Our aims include developing students’ understanding of key historical concepts and events, igniting their curiosity about the past, and fostering empathy and respect for diverse perspectives. By engaging with significant historical events and figures, our students will appreciate the struggles and achievements of people across different times and cultures, thereby nurturing a sense of identity and belonging.

Implementation

Our History curriculum is implemented through a carefully structured two-year rolling programme, accommodating our mixed-age classes. This approach allows for a coherent and progressive learning journey, where key historical concepts such as chronology, cause and consequence, change and continuity, significance, and interpretation are explored through engaging topics and hands-on experiences. Instruction includes a blend of teacher-led lessons, visits to historical sites, and the use of artefacts and primary sources. We also integrate various resources—books, videos, and digital media—to enrich the learning experience. Assessment is ongoing, employing both formative and summative methods, with teachers observing, discussing, questioning, and assigning written tasks to gauge students' understanding and skills.

Impact

The impact of our History curriculum is evident in our students' growing ability to engage with historical concepts critically and empathetically. By the end of each unit, children demonstrate their understanding through a disciplinary question, acting as historians to explore and answer complex inquiries about the past. Regular monitoring and evaluation by the subject leader, combined with feedback from teachers, pupils, and parents, ensures that we continuously refine and improve our curriculum. Our curriculum not only aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage framework but also equips our students with the skills and attitudes necessary for active citizenship and lifelong learning, fostering a generation that values history as a means to understand and shape their world.

History Policy.pdf

History Overview.pdf

History Year 1 and 2.pdf

History Year 3 and 4.pdf

History Year 5 and 6.pdf

Enrichments and Enhancements.pdf

EYFS Long Term Overview Detailed.pdf

EYFS End of term assessment checkpoints.pdf

HISTORY.pdf

Understanding the World in the EYFS

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, History is taught through the Understanding the World area of learning. Children start by learning about their History and talk about changes in their life since birth. They talk about their families and how every family is different and develop a clear understanding of their personal history. They start to use vocabulary associated with the passing of time e.g. yesterday, last week, next week.