Intent- What is the vision?

We have developed a bespoke knowledge-rich curriculum which gives children access to broad knowledge in History. We have a well sequenced programme that builds knowledge, vocabulary and understanding of Key Themes throughout Key Stage 2. This sequencing ensures that knowledge is remembered over the long-term. We ensure that contents meet the national curriculum, however have designed each unit with our pupils in mind ensuring they are getting a curriculum which meets their needs. Content is planned and delivered strategically so that abstract concepts, our Key Themes, are covered in different contexts over time. For example, the Key Theme of 'empire' is initially developed through learning about Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome in Year 3 and is again studied in Year 4 when pupils discover the Mughal Empire of India, in Year 5 when finding out about The British Empire and in Year 6 when learning about World War 2, which provides contrasting views of the idea of an 'empire'. Pupils use their studies in these subjects to develop their writing and many units of work will contain essays for children to write based on what they have learned. We have high expectations for what children will know and remember in each subject.

Implementation- How does it work across school?

In order to deliver our intent across the school, we use a variety of strategies and resources that are outlined below:

Knowledge Organiser – Knowledge organisers contain the key information and vocabulary for each unit. They will be found in the pupils’ books and on display to support their learning.

Key Question – The key question sets out the main aims of the series of lessons being taught within the subject. They are developed in order to challenge historical thinking of our pupils.

Scene Setter – At the start of each unit, the children discover how their new history learning fits in to their prior learning chronologically and how our themes reoccur throughout the curriculum. 

Key Vocabulary – Key vocabulary will be discussed regularly and displayed. It is expected that the children use the key vocabulary throughout the unit and during assessment.

Quizzing – Low stakes quizzing is used to review previous learning.

Knowledge Map – The knowledge map can be referred to during lessons and used to display key information. Teachers can show links across the curriculum to develop and build knowledge.

Assessment – End of unit Essay written and multiple choice quizzes will be used to assess knowledge.