Our Curriculum
Our Intent explained
By the end of EYFS, our pupils will know the difference between past and present events in their own lives and some reasons why people’s lives were different in the past. They understand that different people have different beliefs, attitudes, customs and traditions and why it is important to treat them with respect.
By the end of KS1, our pupils should develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time. They are developing their knowledge of where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework and identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods. Our pupils ask and answer questions, choosing and using parts of stories and other sources to show that they know and understand key features of events, using a growing vocabulary of everyday historical terms.
By the end of KS2, our pupils will have developed chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods of study. They will be able to note connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop the appropriate use of historical terms.
In preparation for KS3, the pupils will be able to address and sometimes devise historically valid questions about change, cause, similarity and difference, and significance and construct informed responses that involve thoughtful selection and organisation of relevant historical information.
History Curriculum
Our history curriculum has been carefully tailored to match the needs of the children and wider community of St Michael and St Martin school. It is our vision to ensure that pupils and our community are at the forefront of lesson planning which we believe is fundamental in creating the strongest learning outcomes. We want our pupils to have a lasting interest in, and enjoyment of learning about the past and experience a sense of ‘awe and wonder.’ The ‘Big Question’ is focussed on throughout the units of work to aid in building an enquiry. It is imperative that all pupils know and understand history as a chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day: how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world.
Our Diverse Curriculum
As a school, we are passionate that our children receive a broad, balanced, inclusive and diverse curriculum. Within History, we will ensure that all learning is tailored to bring relevance to the topics the children are learning. Where possible, real life, hands-on experiences, like extra-curricular trips and themed workshops, provide the cultural exposure that our children need. For the demographic of our children, these experiences are vital in creating rich building blocks of knowledge. Gaining a strong knowledge about their local history and using this as a platform to build a sense of their own identity within our social, political, cultural and economic background.
Our Ambitious Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to encourage children to become confident learners by sharing opinions and interpreting history using a variety of sources and evidence. Our exceeding learners will challenge the reliability of primary and secondary sources and independently begin to justify their reasoning. Differentiation through outcomes and tasks provide opportunities of high challenge, support and independent enquiry through all aspects of a lesson. EAL and SEND pupils are supported with visual, auditory and kinesthetic resources as well as pre and post teaching sessions which introduce and embed themes, objectives and vocabulary.