History
The History curriculum offer follows the national curriculum in KS1 and KS2 and the EYFS Statutory Framework and Development Matters in the early years. The History curriculum is ambitious and designed to give all learners, particularly the most disadvantaged and those with special educational needs, the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. Where required, pedagogy is adapted so that all pupils including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND are on the same knowledge journey towards the same endpoints.
Our curriculum is carefully weighted with equal priority given to both substantive knowledge (people, dates and events) and disciplinary knowledge (how historians work and come to their conclusions). Clearly defined substantive knowledge end points are identified at the end at the end of the unit and disciplinary knowledge end points at the end of each key stage. Components (building blocks) are carefully sequenced so new knowledge builds on what has been previously taught and leads to the end points.
Key concepts for example 'empire', 'legacy', 'religion' and 'settlement' are covered and repeated throughout the curriculum. Vocabulary is also taught explicitly in every lesson. Key words and concepts are mapped out in the VOCUS document. There are also opportunities for developing reading in History.
In early years and KS1 plans are written following the end points and key concepts. This leads into the Pearsons' curriculum which is taught in KS2. This is enhanced with an artefact starter and a disciplinary task so children have opportunity to practice the key history disciplinary concepts e.g. historical significance, similarities and differences and change and continuity. Please see above for our 'Think Like a Historian' poster, which is used to scaffold the children as they make judgements about the past.
Review and retrieval is a key part of every lesson. Quick quizzes and knowledge organisers are used to support this.
Our pupils represent an urban area of Wirral and this is reflected through an inclusive, diverse curriculum which is supported through additional extra-curricular focuses on events such as Remembrance Day, Black History Month.
For further information on our curriculum intent, implementation and impact, please see our curriculum page .
See below the History curriculum overview for KS1 and KS2
The History curriculum is set out in the History End Points document.