History

Purpose of Study

History helps children understand the story of the past and how it has shaped the world we live in today. At our school, we follow our own curriculum for KS1 and the Opening Worlds scheme in KS2, which provides a rich and carefully sequenced curriculum that introduces children to key historical knowledge, concepts and vocabulary.

The National Curriculum for History states that a high-quality history education should help children gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Through Opening Worlds, children encounter fascinating stories, significant people and important events, while also developing the skills to ask questions, think critically and make connections across time and place.

Through the delivery of History, we aim to improve children’ skills in these four areas:

• Chorological understanding – using terminology and ordering and sequencing events
• Knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes in the past
• Historical enquiry – continuity and changes in and between periods; cause and consequence, similarities and differences; significance of events and people
• Historical interpretation – using terminology; selecting; organising and communicating

Aims

Our history curriculum, delivered through Opening Worlds, aims to ensure that all children:

• Develop secure chronological knowledge of British, local and world history.
• Understand how people’s lives have shaped, and been shaped by, events, beliefs and societies in the past.
• Use historical vocabulary and concepts to describe, explain and connect different periods.
• Evaluate evidence, consider different viewpoints and develop critical thinking skills.
• Make meaningful links across history, geography and religion, reflecting the integrated nature of the Opening Worlds curriculum.
• Build curiosity, respect and understanding of the past, preparing them to think about the present and future with perspective.

Documents

History – National Curriculum

History – Curriculum Statement

History – Curriculum Overview

History – Skills Progression

History – Vocabulary Progression