Curriculum Statement for History

At St Oswald’s we want to foster pupils’ curiosity about the past, develop a coherent understanding of Britain’s history and that of the wider world. Perceptive questioning, critical thinking, looking at evidence and arguments will help our pupils develop perspective and judgement. We want the children to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies, relationships between different groups and the challenges of their time, as well as our own identity within the community through local study.

Intent

To design and deliver a curriculum that develops pupils’ understanding of the history of Britain as a chronological narrative from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, the impact of the Roman Empire, the settlement by Scots, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings to a study of an aspect of British history that extends their knowledge beyond 1066.

Include trips, stories and first hand experiences, using the local environment where appropriate, the provision of artefacts and the use of secondary resources such as books and websites for topic research.

To ensure progression through the teaching of local, British and world history is underpinned by a developing confidence in the skills of historical investigation and interpretation.

Implementation

To formulate and implement an action plan ensuring policy is accurately reflected in practice.

To review the content and delivery of the history curriculum in light of changes to the long term planning process and topic titles.

Support staff in the development of their subject knowledge and confidence in where, when and how the history curriculum is taught throughout school.

To continue to plan professional development and staff meetings that review and improve the coverage of history within school.

Impact

Pupils should develop an awareness of the past, understanding where the events studied fit within a chronological framework and how knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources.

For children to enjoy historical study and talk about their experiences of topics covered with enthusiasm and developing insight.

To collect pupil interviews once a year to monitor their experiences and understanding in regard to the school’s history curriculum and coverage through the topic framework.