Imagine, Believe, Achieve
History
HISTORY
The 2014 National Curriculum for History aims to ensure that all children:
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 History – key stages 1 and 2
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.
INTENT
We intend for our children to develop an enquiring mind, which enables them to engage with, and recall, significant Historical events. Through the development of knowledge around sources, cause & consequence and their own questioning of others’ ethical decisions throughout History, children will become empathetic individuals.
IMPLEMENTATION
Children explore History through a wide range of topics and hands-on opportunities. This exploration is implemented with a range of sources, media, visits, workshops and virtual experiences that enhance the development of knowledge. Our curriculum is planned as such that it provides our children with regular opportunities to revise and revisit their Historical learning. They present their knowledge in a variety of ways, both teacher and child-led.
IMPACT
Children of MBHT leave school as empathetic individuals with the knowledge and understanding of the impact of significant historical events that have influenced us in our community, in Britain and in the wider world today. Children are respectful of the past cultural journeys of people and societies in our world. This is then a platform for children to explore their future with a well-informed knowledgeable understanding of the past.
Wider Curriculum
Throughout their school life the children have the opportunity to go on various historical visits linked to the topics the children are studying in school. Making children aware of their local history is very important to us. The subject leader and class teachers make links to all Matlock’s local history through our topics wherever possible. For example, when EYFS covers local history such as, ‘important events in the school's history’, the children will learn about the history of our school building, including when it was built. In KS1, the children will explore the Great Fire of London, during which they will also consider their local history and how buildings have changed over time in the local area. In KS2, local history will be considered when the children explore the British wars. The children will make links to Cromford Mill, industry in local area and the local war memorials. We also invite visitors in to talk about history in the area and within their living memory. Visitors, theatre groups and artefacts are used to engage children in historical topics.
Careers
There are many careers which require knowledge and enthusiasm for history. These include:
- Archivist
- Archaeologist
- Teacher/lecturer
- Conservation
- Museums
- Historical sites
SMSC
At MBHT, we aim to develop SMSC through History by:
Spiritual
- Fostering the mystery of how and why events in the past happened and their many causes.
- Helping children to realise the incredible significance that some individuals have had in the past and how historical knowledge changes with new evidence and different interpretations of events.
- Allowing pupils to see the similarities between people now and in the past and bringing them alive through primary and secondary sources, artefacts and visits and visitors.
- Artefacts, for example, can bring us closer to people through touching what they felt, feeling their shoes, clothes etc.
Moral
- Encouraging pupils to comment on moral questions and dilemmas from the past.
- Helping children to empathise with the decisions which ordinary people made at the time, based on their historical situation.
- Developing open mindedness when considering the actions and decisions of people from the past .
Social
- Encouraging pupils to think about what past societies have contributed to our culture today.
- Promoting pupils' own social development through working together and problem solving.
- The study of social issues is a common theme in History lessons.
- Exploring the similarities and contrasts between past and present societies and be made aware of how, in the main, we are very fortunate to live in ‘the modern world’
Cultural
- Developing a better understanding of our multicultural society through studying links between local, British, European and world history.
British Values
At MBHT, we aim to promote British values through History. British values, including those of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs are embedded in the History curriculum.
Students explore issues such as democracy in their historical context and relate them to the modern day through studying periods such as Ancient Greece. This enables the students to understand how, overtime, changes happen and to evaluate their impact. By looking at the achievements of famous British people (KS1), students develop an awareness of how they have influenced and shaped the country in which we live. This includes an appreciation of their work. Teaching students to respect and value diversity is encouraged in the day to day teaching and learning through showing respect for different viewpoints and ideas as well as in the ability to work effectively together both individually and in groups.
Protected Characteristics
At MBHT C of E Primary, we want to give our children an open, respectful and realistic mindset. Through history we can look at how individuals and groups of people were discriminated against for reasons of gender, race, sex, religious beliefs and compare this to how similar groups of people are treated now in both the UK and across the globe. We can also use the experiences of the past to learn how to behave in the future.
Useful websites and local visits
Chatsworth House
War memorial in Matlock
Museum in Derby