Intent
At Indian Queens School we believe the past matters and helps pupils gain lifelong skills and knowledge. We help pupils to acquire an understanding of local, regional, national and international events and study a diverse range of significant people who have shaped the world we live in today. Pupils will make cohesive links between different periods of time and by using the power of inference and deduction will make connections. Children will leave Indian Queens School with a clear chronological understanding and will know that the passing of time brings continuity and change. Our goal is to create pupils who are carful, meticulous and inquisitive when exploring historical evidence and sources. We aim to create expert learners who ask challenging questions about the past and through enquiry can weigh evidence and sift arguments.
Implementation
At Indian Queens School we teach the National Curriculum for History. It is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that there is an opportunity for children to achieve depth in their learning. The Subject Leader is identifying the key knowledge and vocabulary for each topic in the Knowledge Organisers, with a particular focus on progression, highlighting key events and developing an understanding of chronology. Where appropriate, use of the local context and area is included in our history planning, developing an enriched understanding of our local community.
Progression in historical knowledge and skills is explicitly planned for. By the end of year 6, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day. They can 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 Egypt and Rome. Work is recorded in topic books and can be evidenced in a range of ways including, artwork, written work, photographs or diagrams.
Cross curricular links are made where appropriate and are specifically planned for. History is used as an opportunity to apply literacy skills in a subject appropriate way. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follows the ‘Development Matters in the EYFS’ guidance. History is taught, shared and assessed through the specific area of Understanding the World (The World and People and Communities).
Impact
Impact of the curriculum in history is monitored through:
-Low stakes testing - children show good recall of key concepts taught in previous topics and lessons e.g., quizzes, using visuals, true and false questions, sorting facts.
-Monitoring of work in books, displays and pupil response within lessons.
-Images and videos of the children’s practical learning and are evidenced
-Lesson visits
-Additional assessment opportunities:
-Self-assessment and peer assessment
Year 3 at Wheal Martyn learning about the history of china clay.
Year 6 learning how Pendennis Castle has changed over time.
Year 5 celebrating 100 years of the Victory Hall.
