History

History is ordering events in time; finding differences and similarities; writing and talking about the past; using different sources for information; asking and answering questions.

Vision for History (Intent)

At East Crompton St George’s C of E Primary, we aim to deliver a history curriculum that is accessible to all and that will maximise the outcomes for every child so that they know more, remember more and understand more. The curriculum is structured in a way that allows for children to make links between current and previous learning. One of the features of our history curriculum is the integration of local history alongside broader historical themes. This exploration of historical themes through a location familiar to them, in all year groups, will enable them to make connections between past and present, making abstract concepts more concrete. Specifically, in Year 4/5, there is a more focused exploration of local history, ensuring that children can explore a deeper connection to the history that surrounds them.

Moving through the curriculum, children will develop a secure chronological knowledge of both Britain’s history and the wider world. In Key Stage 1 (KS1), the curriculum sits outside the main chronological sequence to lay the foundational knowledge necessary for deeper historical understanding in later years. During this phase, children will explore historical concepts such as change and continuity, the lives of significant individuals, and the broader themes of history in a way that is engaging and accessible. This approach ensures that children develop an early understanding of history before moving on to a more structured chronological study in Key Stage 2. When the chronology of different historical periods aligns, we ensure that meaningful links are made to deepen students’ understanding. As children progress through the curriculum, they will explore how different historical events and periods overlap or influence one another, enabling them to see the connections across time.

History Subject Lead-

Long Term Plan

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Key Vocabulary

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National Curriculum Aims

The National Curriculum for History aims to ensure that all pupils:

know and understand the history of these islands as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day: how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world
know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: the nature of ancient civilisations; the expansion and dissolution of empires; characteristic features of past non-European societies; achievements and follies of mankind  gain and deploy a historically grounded understanding of abstract terms such as ‘empire’, ‘civilisation’, ‘parliament’ and ‘peasantry’
understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends, frame historically-valid questions and create their own structured accounts, including written narratives and analyses
understand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used rigorously to make historical claims, and discern how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed
gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts, understanding the connections between local, regional, national and international history; between cultural, economic, military, political, religious and social history; and between short- and long-term timescales.

How is History taught and what does it look like at St. George’s? (Implementation)

What will my child leave St. George’s knowing, understanding and appreciating in History? (Impact)

History is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each unit. By the end of Year 6, children will have a chronological understanding of British and worldwide history from the Stone Age to the present day including Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Early Islamic Civilisation.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follows the ‘Development Matters in the EYFS’ guidance which aims for all children in reception to have an ‘Understanding of the World; people and communities, the world and technology’ by the end of the academic year.

Throughout the rest of the school, children can establish clear narratives across time periods studied. They can draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and others, as well as their own lives. Children will understand that sources of evidence can vary in perspective.

Children will develop appropriate historical terms and language along with their growing knowledge.

The local area is utilised to embed children’s understanding of Oldham and Manchester’s part within British and worldwide history including its significant links to the cotton trade / Industrial Revolution and local people’s role in World War 1. Opportunities for learning outside of the classroom are embedded too with educational visits including DEVA Roman Discover Centre, Rochdale Pioneer’s Museum and workshops at Tatton Park

Planning is informed by and aligned with the national curriculum. Outcomes of work are regularly monitored to ensure that they reflect an understanding of the key identified knowledge and vocabulary.

Knowledge and Understanding books will demonstrate evidence of a broad and balanced history curriculum and demonstrate the children’s understanding of identified key knowledge and vocabulary.

Children leave St. George’s with an understanding and an appreciation of the history and importance of their local area, both within British and World History.

Children are able to develop their own theories and ideas using evidence based arguments to deepen them further and have a grasp and understanding of historical tools and resources they can use to build their theories into reasoned arguments.

Children also have a great knowledge of chronology and how the past fits together and develops towards the modern day, the advent of different technologies and how that pushed society and the world into different ages and where different time periods sit together to form a detailed mental picture of British and World histories