Intent

At Whitehall Primary School, we recognise the importance of developing children’s understanding of Britain’s past and the wider world so that they can begin to think like historians and are able to make sense of the world they live in through making sense of the past. We intend to instil awe and wonder within the pupils about the past. By learning History, pupils will understand the complexities of people’s lives, processes of change, diversity of societies and relationships between different groups as well as their own identity and challenges over time.

As they journey through primary school, our aim is for pupils to gain coherent knowledge and understanding of our world’s history to provide a sense of relevance of the environment they in live in. Our high-quality history education will support pupils in understanding their identity, their life and that of others; enabling full participation in our society. The history curriculum is underpinned by disciplinary and substantive concepts and is progressive from EYFS to Year 6. These concepts such as Sources and evidence; Historical interpretations; Cause and consequence; Change and continuity; Similarity and difference; Historical significance are covered throughout a child’s journey at our school.

Our curriculum foundation is on developing pupils’ historical knowledge and critical thinking, which are driven by ‘big questions’ at the beginning of each unit. Throughout the unit, children answer mini enquiry questions. We want pupils to ask perceptive questions, analyse and interpret the evidence. Pupils should build their historical knowledge of the past and able to articulate their understanding to others. By lessening the abstract nature of history and teaching through enquiry-based questions, we aim for pupils to leave Whitehall with secure chronological understanding of time periods in History.

Curriculum vision

The curriculum aims are underpinned by our school’s core values: Aspiration, Curiosity and Independency.

At Whitehall, we strive for our children to have high aspirations. The curriculum provides them with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to be the best they can be. Children in EYFS, KS1 and KS2 will develop a sense of enjoyment and aspiration through quality first teaching of History to help them understand their identity and the world around them.

Weekly History lessons encourage children to be curious about understanding Britain’s past and encourages them to know more about the past. Within lessons, teaching equips pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.

Children are given many opportunities to be independent and are encouraged to develop self- confidence in using primary and secondary resources (sources of evidence), to help them understand significant aspects of History. By using a variety of sources of evidence, it encourages the children to understand how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world.

HISTORY Whole school Progression map

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