History
At Waingroves Primary School, the History curriculum aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the past, its impact on the present, and how it shapes the future. Through engaging inquiry-based learning, we nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for the subject, helping pupils develop key skills such as analysis, interpretation, and reflection.
Our key objectives are to:
- Build a solid understanding of historical events, figures, and periods.
- Encourage inquiry-based learning, where pupils ask questions to personalize their exploration.
- Foster chronological awareness and understanding of how history shapes the present.
- Develop critical thinking by exploring diverse perspectives and sources.
- Cultivate empathy and an appreciation of diverse cultures and histories.
The curriculum also supports cross-curricular learning and promotes values such as respect, responsibility, and curiosity. For Early Years learners, we provide age-appropriate experiences that align with the Early Learning Goals, laying a strong foundation for future historical understanding.
Ultimately, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of History and equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to understand the world around them.
At Waingroves Primary School, the history curriculum is designed to develop a deep understanding of the past while equipping students with essential skills. Teaching methods are varied and include inquiry-based learning, independent research, and engaging pedagogical approaches like storytelling, debates, and discussions. Students also take part in visits to museums and historical sites to enrich their learning experience. Lessons are structured to build on prior knowledge, with strategies such as retrieval activities, timelines, and knowledge organisers helping students make connections across topics. The curriculum is inclusive, offering differentiated tasks and support for all learners, including SEND, disadvantaged, and G&T pupils. Enrichment opportunities, like workshops and extra-curricular activities, further extend learning for all students.
Each unit in the curriculum culminates in a personal study project, allowing pupils to explore a historical topic in greater depth, serving as both a summative assessment and a way to develop research, analysis, and presentation skills. This dynamic and progressive approach ensures that students engage deeply with history, building on their knowledge over time. By making connections with prior learning and fostering critical skills, the curriculum prepares students for future learning and cultivates a lasting interest in history.
At Waingroves Primary School, the history curriculum is designed to provide pupils with a deep understanding of the past while fostering critical thinking, inquiry skills, and historical knowledge. The impact of the curriculum is assessed through formative and summative assessments, pupil engagement, and regular reflection by both staff and the subject leader. Formative assessments, such as observations, key questioning, and the marking of pupils' work, are carried out during lessons to identify any gaps in understanding. These assessments inform future teaching and ensure the curriculum adapts to meet pupils' needs. Summative assessments are conducted through personal study projects, which allow students to explore a historical topic in depth, demonstrating their research, analysis, and presentation skills. Pupils' feedback, or pupil voice, is also considered in the assessment process to gain insights into their learning experiences.
The history subject leader plays a vital role in assessing the curriculum's impact and planning for future improvements. Monitoring activities, including learning walks, staff and pupil questionnaires, examining pupils' work, and analysing personal study projects, help evaluate the curriculum's effectiveness and ensure consistency in delivery. These findings inform the development of action plans that aim to refine teaching practices, introduce new opportunities, and identify professional development needs for staff. The subject leader ensures that the curriculum aligns with the overall School Improvement Plan, driving continuous improvement in both teaching and learning.
The ultimate goal of the history curriculum is to inspire pupils to engage with the past, think critically about historical events and figures, and develop a strong sense of historical inquiry. Key intended impacts include encouraging pupils to ask their own historical questions, investigate sources, and form evidence-based conclusions. Older pupils are expected to develop an awareness of historical bias and learn to critically assess different perspectives. Teachers are supported in delivering an engaging, well-planned curriculum that meets the needs of all learners, while pupils are provided with a diverse range of learning opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom, to deepen their historical understanding. By monitoring progress in skills, knowledge, and teacher confidence, the school ensures that pupils consistently advance in their historical learning, preparing them for future stages of education. The continuous reflection and development of both pupils and staff contribute to maintaining a dynamic, impactful history curriculum.
