The Implementation of our History Curriculum

In Early Years, History is taught via the Early Learning Goals linked to the Specific Area ‘Understanding the World’. The majority of learning in this area occurs through adult intervention when the children are in continuous provision. However, during their time in Early Years the children will listen to stories set in different locations, engage in a unit titled ‘All About Me’ and participate in topic led work about the world they live in.

By the end of Early Years therefore, the children should be able to:

– Talk about the lives of the people around them and their roles in society;

– Know some similarities and differences between things in the past and now, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class;

– Understand the past through settings, characters and events encountered in books read in class and storytelling.

In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 History Lessons focus on developing ‘Knowledge and Knowhow’, Historical skills and understanding how to work as Historians. Children have real life experiences and learn about History in an active and creative way, making connections with prior historical learning and other subject areas such as Geography and Science. We use heritage projects, visits to places of interest and visitors to school to provide further relevant and contextual learning, engaging members of the community in children’s learning and providing positive role models from the community for children to learn from.

The Impact of our History Curriculum

Outcomes in History and literacy books, evidence a broad and balanced history curriculum and demonstrate the children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge.  Emphasis is placed on analytical thinking and questioning which helps pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Pupils are curious to know more about the past. Pupils learn to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.

Take a look at the Gallery below to see what our children have been getting up to…

Knowledge Organisers

At The Willows we use Knowledge Organisers to help our children, and staff, ensure the key objectives are covered.

Useful Documents