History

At Woodlands Primary School, we follow the History Curriculum that is specified in the National Curriculum 2014 and the Early Years and the Foundation Stage (EYFS) (September 2021). These frameworks set out the breadth and depth of study and the skills and attributes for learning that children need to acquire and experience.

Our History curriculum aims to inspire our pupils’ curiosity to know more about Britain’s past and that of the wider-world. History helps pupils to understand the process of change and continuity, the diversity of societies and how historical people and events have impacted our society today – and prepare them for the future.

At Woodlands, our pupils will learn about the actions and motives of key people, nations and civilisations – their achievements and mistakes, and the impact of each, over time. Through our substantive concepts, which are the building blocks of progress in history, pupils will acquire knowledge of different cultures, beliefs and values and how they were shaped. Our history curriculum will equip the children to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments and develop perspective and judgment. We want our pupils to develop an understanding of themselves and others by reflecting upon similarities, differences and diversity and how we live in an interdependent global world.

Our curriculum is carefully designed to ensure key knowledge and skills progress in a logical and sequenced way, thus enabling pupils to revisit previously taught content and to build upon it year on year. We use carefully structured progression documents to ensure that substantive and disciplinary knowledge and skills are clearly outlined and sequenced, thus enabling the children to know and remember more, as they move through school.

History forms part of our creative curriculum and, as such, is taught along with other subjects on the same theme – which are clearly stated on the Curriculum Framework Overview.

History Curriculum Progression

The themes for each year group can be seen below:

Woodands’ History Curriculum Substantive Concepts are

Civilisation       Conflict         Monarchy        Power         Religion

Society      Invasion      Culture       Legacy       Achievement

At Woodlands, we aim to enhance our pupils learning and understanding of History through a range of visits and experiences.

During their time in Key Stage 1, pupils visit Blists Hill Victorian Town to support their understanding of how the lives of children in Madeley were different long ago.

Whilst studying the Roman invasion of Britain, year 3 pupils discover more about the life of a Roman soldier in Chester at the Deva Roman Discovery Centre.

To enhance their understanding of the Mayan ancient civilisation, pupils take part in a Mayan workshop where they explore artefacts, re-enact religious ceremonies and investigate the Mayan culture.