History
Intent: What does History look like at SPJS?
At Stanley Park Junior School, we have developed our History curriculum so children know and understand about the past in Britain and the wider world. It helps them to realise the process of change and how this has shaped many aspects of our world today. Children are taught a wide range of historical topics, spanning different periods and places through the use of primary and secondary sources. Our emphasis is on innovative teaching with cross-curricular links to ensure that children not only learn content but also skills such as historical enquiry and a sense of chronology and curiosity.
History fires children’s curiosity about the past. It encourages their thinking about how the past influences the present helping them develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people. History helps children form a sense of identity and understanding of their place in their own community and the world. They develop a range of skills to investigate and present their findings while developing empathy and understanding.
History gives our pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding of the world around them and significant events that have happened in the past. History should inspire pupils' curiosity to know more about the past.
Implementation: How are we going to deliver this?
At SPJS the threads run through Year 3-6 history units to enable children to compare historical periods and deepen their historical understanding.
- Hierarchy and Power (including changing roles of women)
- Daily Life (Children and homes)
- Significant Turning Points (Technology, transport and inventions)
Through our History Curriculum, we aim to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about Britain’s past and that of the wider world. In each year group, children will study up to three history topics across the school year. In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in history, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school for the development of history knowledge and skills. We enhance the children’s learning through exciting activities. The Stone Age comes to life when the children go to Butser Ancient Farm the children learn about the past by recreating it with hands-on experience of ancient technology and skills, through role-play and using artefacts. Taking part in a WWII workshop provides context and empathy. Children have the opportunity to touch, hold & handle different Ancient Egyptian artefacts, items & weapons during this workshop. Such events ensure that children truly enjoy their learning. Children visit Hampton Court Palace to explore the notion of hierarchy and status within the Tudor court and how these are reflected in the buildings of the palace.
This session develops children’s historical enquiry skills, highlighting that we can use architectural features and furnishings to understand the rank and status of those who would have used and occupied the lower and upper parts of the palace. These activities also inspire children to create some excellent homework projects!
We teach children to realise that history is all around them, unfolding each day. Through lessons, visitors and trips, they gain an understanding of people throughout history. The challenges they faced and how they overcame them.
The photographs of children actively participating in historical activities hopefully help to explain not only why so many pupils enjoy the subject at Stanley Park Junior School, but also why history plays such an important role in their education and personal development and why the children do so well.
Impact: What impact is our curriculum having on our children?
From the enhanced History learning we provide for our children allows them to participate in a variety of activities, dress up days, school trips and workshops throughout their time at Stanley Park Junior School providing them contextual learning and memorable experiences across our broad topics. Children will use their prior knowledge and questioning skills to think like a historian and have a love of History.
Subject Leader:
If you would like more information about how this subject is taught, please contact the subejct leader by emailing the school office at office@spjs.org
