Newbrough C of E Primary School History Curriculum: A Spiralling Journey Through Time
Newbrough C of E Primary School's history curriculum presents a well-defined and engaging approach to historical education, with the ultimate goal of fostering pupils' growth and understanding of the past.
Our history curriculum has been designed using both the National Curriculum and our overarching curriculum principles. We feel it is essential that our pupils gain an understanding of the rich and diverse history of our local area and the significance that individuals from our region played nationally and internationally. At the same time, it is important that our pupils learn about other cultures and civilisations and their impact on us -and vice versa.
Curriculum Intent: Nurturing "Excellent Knowledge and Understanding"
The curriculum's core purpose is to equip pupils with a comprehensive understanding of history, encompassing people, events, and diverse historical periods. The curriculum emphasises the significance of developing critical thinking abilities and confident communication skills specifically tailored to historical contexts. The ultimate aim is to empower pupils to learn from history, enabling them to flourish in the future.
Implementation: A Spiral Approach to Enhance Knowledge Retention
The school implements a "spiral curriculum" inspired by the "Ebbinghaus’ Curve of Forgetting." This method involves revisiting key historical strands, such as "Way of Life," "key events," or "conflicts," multiple times throughout the pupils' education. This repetitive exposure aims to bolster knowledge retention and promote a deeper understanding of historical topics over time.
The curriculum employs a vibrant and interactive teaching approach. Lessons integrate substantive historical knowledge with essential disciplinary skills such as source analysis. To further enrich learning and knowledge retention, the curriculum prioritises experience-based outcomes, seamlessly weaving drama, art, and hands-on activities into the lessons. The use of artefacts borrowed from "Tullie House" museum, primary sources, and engaging multimedia resources such as "Horrible Histories" songs enhances the learning experience, bringing history to life for the pupils.
Long-Term Planning: Weaving Together Key Strands and Knowledge Drivers
The long-term planning and the "Knowledge concept drivers" provide a clear framework for how the history curriculum unfolds across different year groups. This framework reveals a carefully structured progression of learning, with each year building upon previous knowledge and introducing new themes and concepts.
Medium-Term Planning: Illustrating Curriculum Implementation
The provided medium-term plans (MTPs) demonstrate how individual lessons and activities contribute to achieving the broader aims outlined in the long-term plans. Each MTP focuses on a specific historical strand or theme, offering a detailed breakdown of the knowledge, skills, and concepts pupils are expected to develop.
Examples:
- KS1 - Significant Events: This scheme guides pupils through an exploration of pivotal historical events, emphasising the concepts of cause and effect. The plan outlines engaging activities, such as analysing the Bayeux Tapestry, researching the Gunpowder Plot, and comparing London before and after the Great Fire. These activities aim to develop pupils' understanding of chronology, source analysis, and the lasting impact of historical events.
- UKS2 - Conflicts: This theme focuses on conflicts throughout history, including the Roman Empire, Saxons, Vikings, Aztecs, Border Reivers, and World War II. Pupils explore the causes, strategies, and lasting impacts of these conflicts, using a diverse range of sources, including maps, timelines, and primary accounts. The plan encourages the development of historical inquiry skills through activities such as creating timelines, analysing primary sources, and role-playing historical scenarios.
- KS1 - Important People: This strand invites pupils to explore the lives and legacies of significant historical figures, focusing on leadership qualities and contributions to society. Activities include researching monarchs like Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles, comparing the experiences of rich and poor during Queen Victoria's reign, and understanding the influence of individuals like Florence Nightingale and Grace Darling. This exploration of individual stories allows pupils to grasp the diverse nature of human experience across time and the impact individuals can have on shaping history.
- LKS2 - Technology and Way of Life: These arcs encompass broader themes, prompting pupils to examine the evolution of technology and everyday life throughout history. Pupils engage in activities like investigating Sumerian inventions, studying Roman engineering achievements such as aqueducts, and comparing life in the Stone Age with subsequent periods. These activities provide insights into the progress and challenges encountered by societies throughout history, highlighting the interconnectedness of technology, culture, and daily life.
A Comprehensive and Engaging Approach to Historical Understanding
We have a well-structured and thoughtfully implemented history curriculum at Newbrough C of E Primary School. The spiral curriculum, combined with engaging pedagogical approaches, allows for deep exploration of historical topics and fosters a passion for learning. By emphasising critical thinking, source analysis, and the enduring significance of the past, the curriculum aims to equip pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complexities of history and the world around them.
