History
In History lessons, we aim for all children to gain a greater understanding and knowledge about how our world has been affected by individuals and groups of people throughout time. These key historical figures' lives and work are studied in detail, but we also take time to look at the lot of the common person as well to consider the impact of both groups in shaping today's world. Historical studies allow all children to attain a very good level of knowledge, but also to learn how to challenge their own understanding. The seminar with Hal in Whitby at his 'Jet Museum' in Year 6 gives pupils the opportunity to learn with the foremost expert in Jet in the world. He challenges them to think as he does, analytically and demanding of proof!
We have separated our study into three strands covering Headline History, Everyday Experiences and Past into Present. These are all studied each year with the children being challenged at an ever increasing level as they are introduced to age appropriately higher level historical units. Click to see our History Teaching Framework Units.
Headline History
This strand of History teaches the 'facts'; the dates and details of key historical figures' lives. Children learn what these people were responsible for doing and how that was achieved.
However, by itself this does not give the child the impetus to question what really happened and to 'dig further' to seek assurance that everything occurred as they have been told. The next two strands set this knowledge in the context of the world at that time and lead the children to develop high level investigative and research skills.
Everyday Experiences
By considering in depth the role of the 'ordinary' man and woman throughout history, our children learn to understand that there is sometimes another side to 'a wonderful victory' or 'a fantastic advancement'!
Children are taught to question the headline history in the context of real people's everyday experiences. Wherever possible this is through visits and visitors who help to bring history to life.
Past into Present
Finally, each year we investigate how the unit of work we are studying in the past impacts upon the lives that we now live today. The children learn to appreciate that history is a timeline of events that impact upon how the world will be in the future.
Similarily, it is necessary to look at past events in detail to ascertain why they have or have not had a lasting impact and whether those responsible were passively or actively involved in making changes to how life is now and will be in the future.
