History at southfield

History Intent

At Southfield Junior School, we encourage children to develop an appreciation and understanding of the past and gain a broad, balanced view of the History of Britain. This is achieved through a range of primary and secondary sources where children will learn the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time. This enables children to gain an understanding of how the past has shaped society today, as well as how interpretations may differ. The History curriculum at Southfield also makes full use of resources within the immediate and wider local area, enabling children to develop a deep understanding of the rich history of their locality. The curriculum is carefully planned and structured to ensure that current learning is linked to previous learning ensuring that all pupils:

• Gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world which helps to stimulate pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past
• Are encouraged to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement
• Begin to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.

History Implementation

To ensure consistent high-quality learning, all teaching will start by revisiting and building on prior knowledge and skills. Tier three subject specific vocabulary will be modelled by the teacher and displayed on the learning wall along with key facts, questions and model exemplars of the work being taught.

History is taught in each term throughout the year, so that children achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year and across year groups. By the end of year 6, children have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this are studies of world history, such as the ancient civilisations of Greece and the Egyptians.

Cross curricular outcomes in history are specifically planned for, with strong links between the history curriculum and literacy lessons enabling further contextual learning. The local area is also fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice. Planning is informed by and aligned with the national curriculum. In addition, staff have access to the Hamilton plans and resources, however, teachers lesson design is not limited by this. Consideration is given to how greater depth will be taught, learnt and demonstrated within each lesson, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion. Outcomes of work are regularly monitored to ensure that they reflect a sound understanding of the key identified skills and knowledge.

Teachers will have access to the following documents to support planning and ensure quality teaching of History:

• - Knowledge Overview: this shows an overview of each topic, identifying a key question which creates a stem for further questions and showing a breakdown of the National Curriculum for each year group.
• - Medium Term Plan: this has clear teaching links with maths, vocabulary specific to the topic and enquiry questions for the children to explore.
• - Skills Progression: the skills required to teach the National Curriculum have been broken down into progressive steps for each year group.

History assessment is ongoing throughout each topic and relevant cross-curricular themes to inform teachers with their planning for lesson activities and differentiation. Summative assessment is completed at the end of each topic where history objectives have been covered.

Our historians will be given a variety of experiences both in and out of the classroom where appropriate to create memorable learning opportunities and to further support and develop their understanding.

History Impact

At Southfield, outcomes in topic and English books evidence a broad and balanced history curriculum and demonstrate the children’s attainment of identified key skills and knowledge. This equips the children with historical skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and for life as an adult in the wider world. They will know more, remember more and understand more about History. 

Emphasis is placed on analytical thinking and questioning, and children will demonstrate a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world, in addition to being curious to continue to know more about the past. Children will be able to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. This wide range of skills will support excellence in all areas of the curriculum. 

We want the children to have thoroughly enjoyed learning about history, therefore encouraging them to undertake new life experiences now and in the future.