History

Intent

At Wincanton Primary School, we aim for a high quality history curriculum that will inspire in pupils a curiosity about the past including Britain and that of the wider world. History is about real people who have lived and have been significant alongside real events that have happened within the past.

Within our history curriculum, we ensure that pupils consider how the past has influenced the present, what past societies were like and what beliefs influenced people’s actions. From this, children will develop a concept of chronology, which will underpin children’s developing sense of period.

The children will have the ability to think critically about history and communicate ideas confidently for a range of purposes to reach their own conclusions. To do this they need to be able to research, sift through evidence and argue for their point of view. With this, we have designed a curriculum full of cross curricular links that builds on skills and knowledge. To ensure our pupils have a variety of opportunities both locally and further afield we have incorporated many experiences where they gain an in depth knowledge of the local community. As well as through our range of hooks and outcomes the children will be equipped with the skills to achieve and continually build on their history knowledge. 

The history curriculum is personalised for the children at Wincanton Primary School to ensure every child has a broad range of experiences to clarify historical concepts and giving them the time to develop their conceptual knowledge. 

Implementation

At Wincanton Primary School we ensure high standards of teaching and learning in history through a progressive, exciting and unique curriculum.

Throughout the school, history is taught as part of our Learning Experiences which progresses the children’s knowledge, and skills that are stated in the National Curriculum. Throughout both Key Stages, the curriculum has been planned and created to allow the children to build on their previous knowledge and make links in their learning. 

During the Learning Experiences, children have the opportunity to create floor books and mind maps to elicit what they know and show progression over time. Their Learning Experiences are designed to fully immerse and excite them as well as challenge their own thinking when history is a focus. Some Learning Experiences have a greater history focus, however, throughout the year there will be many opportunities for overlearning of key vocabulary, facts and skills.

We use a knowledge and skills based curriculum to teach our history and use a variety of teaching and learning styles in these lessons. Our main aim is to develop and build on children’s knowledge, skills and understanding in history as the children move through the school.