History curriculum aims to provide our children with a clear understanding of the past of both Britain and the wider world and for them to be inquisitive of the past and how it has shaped the world we live in today. History helps them to understand processes of change, how complex and diverse people’s live and societies are and the relationships between the different groups.

Starting from EYFS, they build their understanding of chronology and how people’s lives have changed over time. In KS1 children focus on significant events and people and find similarities and differences between them while in KS2 the children develop a clear, chronological narrative of the history of Britain what has shaped the nation been influenced by the wider world. In addition, they will discover other world civilisations, empires, societies and their achievements. We want them to be able to ask questions, evaluate and think critically about evidence and sources and develop judgements and perspective. The curriculum is designed so that children can explore historical concepts and make links between different time periods and make use of historical vocabulary and terms that progresses through the time periods studied.

In order to provide engaging and motivation lessons, our history teaching uses a range of strategies to inspire our children which include active learning, investigations, use of stories and games. Topics are launched with a big question that is explored through the topic and culminate with an event or piece of learning to answer the question. Deeper thinking is encouraged by using challenge questions within lessons. Displays will celebrate the children’s learning while also display vocabulary and key information to help embed knowledge. Where appropriate, links are drawn with Geography to make a broader topic that encompasses both subjects. The topic will also create the theme for English and creative subjects to allow children to be fully immersed in the subject and utilise their knowledge and skills across the curriculum. Cross curricular events are planned at start and end of topics to engage and celebrate the learning. Bringing History alive to the children is enhanced by inviting visitors, holding drama workshops and visits to museums and sites of historical interest. For example, Year 5 and 6 children have experienced trips to the War Museum, British Museum and the V & A. Year 3 and 4 have enjoyed a ‘saturnalia’ day whilst learning about the Romans. The Historical Society have visited our school on several occasions to help us learn about Frittenden through the ages. Did you know that Roman urns were found in Leggs Wood, or that American GI hid out there during WWII?

Our Christian values underpin all aspects of our teaching and learning. The high aspirations and expectations the teaching team have for the children ensure that no child is given a learning limit or ceiling and that every child is given the opportunity to flourish. The school values are integrated into every History lesson as follows:

Compassion and history go hand in hand; we recognise and have compassion for those throughout history who have been affected by conflict, natural disaster and other events beyond their control. We teach children to show compassion and be empathetic.

Respect: we show respect for the history of our country and the world because it has shaped the world that we live in. We respect opinions and the truth within history.

Joy: We find joy in the triumphs throughout history, championing success, determination and perseverance. Children are encouraged to find joy in the everyday; experience joy for their success and the success of others; and to share their joy.