History

INTENT

At Leesland CofE Federation we encourage children to develop a passion for learning about the past, use inquiry skills to question evidence and gain a chronological understanding of different historical eras.

History is an important part of our curriculum. We focus our learning around the ‘how?’ and ‘why?’ encouraging children to ignite their curiosity about the past. Through finding out about the world, our country, culture and local community, children gain a growing sense of identity and a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people. The knowledge gained through history learning can influence decisions about personal choices, attitudes and values through life.

We aim to inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. History helps pupils to know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world. By ensuring the aims of the National Curriculum are followed, we strive to create engaging and inspiring lessons that are memorable for the children whilst also equipping them with skills and knowledge as they become lifelong learners

At Leesland, we celebrate diversity, individuality and collaboration - all of which are key elements in the historical timeline of the world. We are keen to develop fun and challenging learning for all so that children go on to be confident and inquiring individuals.

Through our history topics, we ensure that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. It is important that the children develop the progressive skills of a historian throughout their time in school.

IMPLEMENTATION

The National Curriculum programme of study outlines what should be taught in History throughout a child’s time at Leesland. From this, the curriculum lead for History has decided on an order in which to teach the different topics so that a chronological approach is achieved.

At Leesland, we alternate between History and Geography. Learning is taught weekly during the afternoon and often links to other subjects such as English and Guided Reading. Topics have a planned outcome at the end of each unit that celebrates the new learning. 

All history sessions are taught through whole-class teaching to ensure all children have the same opportunities to learn about the past. During sessions, children are supported appropriately through tasks and focussed support from adults. Throughout the learning, children are encouraged to work in a variety of different ways such as independently, in pairs and in small groups, collaborating with others to expand their thinking. Working with others allows children to ask questions, compare similarities and differences, as well as allowing those with expertise in specific areas to demonstrate their knowledge.  

The long term planning for History in KS2 at Leesland focuses around the following:

• A local study
• Changes in Britain
• An early Civilisation
• An ancient Civilisation
• A study that extends beyond 1066

In each unit of planning, pupils will the taught how to:

• Compare similarities and differences
• Sequence events in chronological order
• Ask questions
• Research events

These are key elements of the study of history that all children will experience in KS2 at Leesland

• Changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age
• The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain
• A local history study of Gosport
• Britain’s settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots
• The Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England
• The Home front effort during World War 2 and how life changed for children during the war.
• A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066
• The achievements of the earliest civilisations
• Ancient Greece
• A non-European society that provides contrasts with British history.

IMPACT

At Leesland CofE Federation, we pride ourselves on providing a rich and high quality curriculum. Children are able to recall previous learning and are enthusiastic about history, seeing as events from the past.

Children use their knowledge of the past to sequence historical events chronologically. The children use picture sources and artefacts to question historical evidence. They know that the evidence does not always tell us everything about the past and they need to use enquiry skills to question the reliability.

Throughout school, history skills are revisited in different ways to gain a full understanding. Examples of these include ordering chronologically, developing questioning and using artefacts to understand historical periods and events.

School visits are purposeful and children use them to deepen their understanding of historical periods being studied. In year 3, children visit Buster Hill to learn more about Stone Age civilisation. These visits support children’s understanding of significant aspects of history and the wider world through an enriching, memorable experience. School based activities are also used in a meaningful way to further learning. Children enjoy the immersive environment and speak often of such trips and events as highlights of learning.

By the time children leave Leesland CofE, they are able to sequence events chronologically within the period studied and in a wider context of events learnt.

What our pupils say about History