History

Intent:

At Fleet Infant School we want all of our children to have an understanding of the past. It is important that children see how the past can affect and change their future. We want them to understand how key events and significant people from Britain and the wider world have shaped their lives today. Our aim is to deliver high-quality, engaging History lessons which encourage enquiry, chronological understanding as well as supporting children in using historical sources to make decisions about the past.

Implementation:

Our History Curriculum covers a range of topics that are inspiring and motivate children to use their enquiry and thinking skills. Where possible, we aim to make links between their history learning across the whole curriculum. For example, when studying the Great Fire of London, children are given links to English, Geography, Science and DT to give the topic more context. Each unit is planned using the Hampshire six step approach where the children are given opportunities to broaden their knowledge and skills.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage:

The EYFS curriculum supports children's understanding of History through the teaching of 'Understanding the World'. They have many first-hand experiences when learning about the past. They learn through stories, pictures and artefacts and are given time to explore these and talk about what is similar and what is different. Chronology is introduced through discussions about events related to themselves and the people around them. They look at key events in their lives since they were born.

Key Stage 1:

We begin by looking at History related to the children and introduce them to the ideas of chronology and the use of timelines. They develop an awareness of the past, where they use language and phrases related to history and the passing of time. They are encouraged to ask questions about the past and to think about what is similar and what is different from the past. Children learn about significant events and significant people who have shaped society; locally, nationally and globally. Children learn about the ways in which we can find out about the past.

In both the EYFS and in KS1, it is important that there are first hand experiences that enrich the children's learning. We use history artifact boxes, visitors and trips to help embed the children's learning and inspire them to learn more about the past.

Impact:

History at Fleet Infant School is engaging and memorable. By providing first hand experiences, children are engaged in their learning and develop the necessary historical skills to continue their educational journey at KS2. Children are able to express what they have learnt through discussions, drawings and writing, using topic specific language. Children enjoy History and are able to recall their learning over time.

Inclusion

When planning lessons, we consider learners with SEND. Teachers consider the barriers of the individual children and the key learning of each lesson; identifying the specific new learning. Teachers:

Present topics in a practical way through the use of artifact boxes where children can handle artifacts from the past.
Use other sources such as photographs, videos, podcasts, art work to help understand what is being taught.
Pre-teach new language that the children might not have come across before.
Break down learning into smaller steps.
Use talk partners and small group work for children to share ideas and listen to others.
Assess children’s understanding through discussion.

If appropriate, we plan for an additional adult in the lesson and share their responsibilities with them in advance.

Our learning in action!

Year 2 - Great Fire of London

In the Autumn term, Year 2 have looked at The Great Fire of London. There was a focus on the chronology of it and also thinking about the causes and consequences of the fire itself. We were lucky to have a theatre company come in and re-enact the history of it with us!

Year 1 - Toys Topic

The children loved playing with toys from within living memory. They were able to find out about the different materials toys have been made from and how these might have changed over time. They could see how some toys are still popular today.