History Curriculum

At Whitburn Village Primary School we strive to ensure that history is an important part of our curriculum. 

The children will gain an understanding of the past of both Britain and the wider world. Also the children will learn about historical events and people which are associated with their local area. The children will learn about significant people and events throughout different time periods in chronological order and they will make comparisons with their own lives to understand similarities and differences. 

We aim to ensure that children are able to ask and establish their own questions and think critically when examining different sources of evidence and they can develop their own opinions, which they can then back up with their historical knowledge. While taking part in a question and enquiry based curriculum the children will learn how to investigate historical questions and use a range of resources to research different time periods.

At Whitburn Village Primary School we follow the National Curriculum to ensure the correct objectives have been taught. All year groups follow the Learning Challenge Curriculum. Each week is based on a particular question that incorporates the children’s interests and needs. The children will investigate their questions using what they have learnt, a range of different sources, artefacts or through research. 

At the start of each learning challenge the children will take part in a pre-learning quiz which allows the teacher to identify what the children already know. This shows the children’s misconceptions and will guide future planning. The children will then revisit the same quiz at the end of the topic in order to see how much they have learnt. 

Learning challenges are sequenced to ensure progress. This sequence may include:

-Group work

-Research using computers 

-Investigating a range of sources/artefacts 

-Teacher led lessons 

-School visits outside of the classroom

-A visitor to share more information 

It is essential that the impact of our History curriculum is monitored in order to see that all children are gaining access to History. This is to ensure that children are able to enjoy their historical learning and make progress in this area so they reach their endpoints. 

At the end of each half term teachers evaluate what they have taught and what information has been covered this is then reported to the History Subject Leader. 

History is monitored by making sure that the National Curriculum is being covered correctly in each year group. This is carried out by looking at children’s books, discussions with staff and pupil voice.

At the end of each year a report will be given to the Governors by the subject leader.