The Haven Church of England Methodist Primary School

The Haven Church of England Methodist Primary School

Let your Light Shine

History

 

History is what happened in the past. Through studying and understanding life and events in the past we can come to an understanding of life in the present, and what we may be preparing for in the future. The study of History is more than the learning of discrete facts.  The skills developed in the study of History are far reaching and can affect all aspects of our lives. Their learning can influence decisions about our own choices, attitudes and values. Through History, children learn valuable skills of research, selecting and evaluating evidence, drawing conclusions and arguing their point of view.

The objectives of History are:

  • To stimulate children’s interest in the past
  • To help children gain an understanding of time and to build a coherent sense of the past using overview and depth studies (chronological understanding)
  • To help children develop enquiry skills
  • To introduce children to what is involved in interpreting the past thus enabling them to use information, rather than just collect it
  • To contribute to children’s knowledge and understanding of the development of countries and cultures in Britain, Europe and the world, and so develop a sense of identity
  • To understand the present in the light of the past
  • To use a range of hands on sources and artefacts to promote personal experience of learning
  • To understand our place in the world (The Haven in Eastbourne)
  • To build and use vocabulary (Language-Rich Learning)

 History in the Foundation Stage is taught as part of the strand Understanding the World. During the Reception year, the children will read stories, learn about key people and take part in practical, skills-based activities. These will begin with their own experiences and then move onto learning about the past of others.

History in Key Stage One is based upon the National Curriculum. Pupils develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time. They will learn where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework and identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods. Pupils will use a wide vocabulary of historical terms and build this vocabulary as they progress through the curriculum. They should ask and answer questions, choosing and using parts of stories and other sources (both primary and secondary) to show that they know and understand key features of events. Pupils will understand some of the ways in which we find out about the past and identify different ways in which it is represented.

In Key Stage Two, pupils continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study. They note connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop the appropriate use of historical terms. Pupils regularly ask and answer historically valid questions about change, cause, similarity and difference, and significance. They will construct informed responses that involve thoughtful selection and organisation of relevant historical information.