Spring Term - History Driver

In the Spring term our major curriculum focus is History with ongoing cross curricular elements throughout each term of the year with references made to prior knowledge at each opportunity.

As well as developing historic knowledge in key areas, a number of strands run through the children's learning experience. We have team members with a History degree and a real passion for the subject, so sharing knowledge between teachers is key to ensuring everyone has the necessary confidence and understanding to develop the subject with their children. 

In the Foundation Stage our children develop understanding of the world ( a specific area) through a range of experiences including exploration off site of local parks, libraries and museums, using our extensive outdoor area and growing areas and through our Life Skills House. As well as experiences, high quality books and materials are available to develop talk about past and present events in children’s own lives and in the lives of their family members. Our children know that other children don’t always enjoy the same things, and are sensitive to this. They know about similarities and differences between themselves and others, and among families, communities and traditions. Children are encouraged to use past, present and future forms accurately when talking about events that have happened or are to happen in the future. They develop their own narratives and explanations by connecting ideas or events; planned events, visits and experiences boost opportunities for such talk. 

The taught content supports children's progression into Y1 and is a quality springboard for developing as Young Historians!

'Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical

world and their community. The frequency and range of children’s personal

experiences increases their knowledge and sense of the world around them –

from visiting parks, libraries and museums to meeting important members of

society such as police officers, nurses and firefighters. In addition, listening to a

broad selection of stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems will foster their

understanding of our culturally, socially, technologically and ecologically diverse

world. As well as building important knowledge, this extends their familiarity with

words that support understanding across domains. Enriching and widening

children’s vocabulary will support later reading comprehension.' EYFS 2021

In Key Stage One and Two visitors, trips and visits are built into curriculum planning to extend children's first hand experiences, knowledge, skills and vocabulary. Timelines in every classroom and sent to every home via our knowledge mats, support children’s understanding of where the events they learn about sit in the history of time gone by.  History knowledge, skills and understanding are woven into the National Curriculum for history throughout the year and we have created a progression through the following strands in KS1 which feed seamlessly into progression strands for KS2.

The progression strands running through KS1 and KS2 are:

• Chronological Understanding 
• Knowledge and interpretation
• Historical enquiry 

These ensure a progressive approach to developing skills, knowledge and understanding from foundation stage to Y6 and prepare children for their secondary education.

Lessons are structured to ensure a strong knowledge base is taught in the initial lessons and in advance of trips and visits. This ensures children can use their knowledge and apply it to what they see and what they know from historical sources and places of interest. 

History Rationale

KS1 History - a snapshot of learning! 

Y1 and Y2 children have loved learning about significant historical figures and important periods in British history during Spring Term. Watch this video to find out what the children think about their learning! 

Knowledge Organisers

Our History organisers show timelines, places to visit, books to read and films to watch that will add to children's learning experiences. Each organiser has a timeline and these are sent home to families who use these for flipped learning and to enhance discussions and reflections at home about the subject of History! 

Learning Journey

These are our 'Learning Journeys' which show the journey children's learning takes, through different subjects across the curriculum with History as a driver towards an authentic outcome - something that means something real to the children. Children and families have copies of these 'Learning Journeys' so they know what to expect, where they can prepare, and to reflect on. 

Parent Information- What is my child learning during the Spring term History Focus?

 The medium term plans below show the main subject content of History for the term and the development of other subject skills. 

History Progression