Learning and Curriculum
History
Statement of Intent for History
The History curriculum at Masefield is designed to create a bridge between today’s world and the myriad fascinating worlds of the past, which automatically provokes questions from pupils. Tempered and channelled correctly, its study can turn this naturally occurring curiosity into the development of tools every pupil needs in order to be able to express their thoughts and positively engage with the world around them.
At Masefield, History is taught as a discrete subject in order that the development of knowledge and skills is taught meaningfully and explicitly. Naturally, links are made to other areas of the curriculum but this does not dilute the quality and entitlement of high quality History teaching.
History Curriculum
The school’s long term plan for History sets out the content of teaching within in each year group. This is supported by the school’s History progression document which demonstrates learning outcomes within each strand of development within a History unit. Short term planning details how this content is developed over a series of lessons within the unit of work. The organisation of the History curriculum provides structured opportunities for pupils to:
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gain a coherent, chronological knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world
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develop a deep understanding of history, by connecting new knowledge with existing knowledge
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contribute to a connected network of ideas and knowledge across the curriculum
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develop and appreciate the cultural capital that they need to succeed in life
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engender an appreciation of human achievement and an understanding of its development
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be introduced to the language and vocabulary of History
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be introduced to key historical skills such as oracy and argument
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make reasoned arguments about historical influences on current development and sustainability issues
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explore how the actions of people in the past have led to some of the global problems we face today
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understand the impact their choices can have on the future
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develop knowledge of other societies, cultures and beliefs
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understand the impact values and beliefs have on the decisions and actions of individuals, organisations and governments, made today
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understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups
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explore their own identity, values and beliefs.
History Policy
Knowledge Organisers for History
Below is an example knowledge organiser from each year group for History:
Year 1 - The History of Bolton
These are sent home each half term as part of the curriculum overviews. EYFS Knowledge Organisers can be found in the EYFS tab.
High quality texts underpinning our History curriculum
History is promoted throughout our core lessons at Masefield which means knowledge and vocabulary is consistently being revisited throughout the curriculum. We use high quality fiction and non-fiction texts to inspire our children to create high quality pieces of writing, encourage the love of reading and embed their History skills further.
Our Award Winning Provision for History
Quality Mark for History Gold Status - Achieved November 2024
The History Quality Mark is awarded to schools that demonstrate a relentless passion to ensure effective learning and achievement through inspiring teaching that engages all pupils consistently across the school. The Gold status recognises how our personalised History curriculum reflects the diversity of our school whilst carefully meeting the needs of all our children. To enrich the pupil’s experiences, History at Masefield does not stop in the classroom as a systemic and coherent range of historical experiences is available to all pupils across the different years of the school.
Other Relevant Information
Below you will find more information relevant to the teaching of History at Masefield Primary School.