History
At St Johns, we aim to deliver a history curriculum that inspire pupils’ curiosity about the past. We believe that studying history helps children to develop a sense of identity through learning about the past and how history has shaped their own lives.
Historical learning begins in the Early Years, as children begin to develop a sense of chronology, being able to talk about past and present events in their own lives and in the lives of family members, alongside significant people, events and stories from the past.
As children move into Key Stage 1, they begin to develop an awareness of changes within and beyond living memory. The study of ‘The Story of the High Street’ and ‘Seaside Holidays Now and Then,’ allow children to make comparisons and identify significance. Historical walks in our local area, visiting places such as the Failsworth Cenotaph, provide opportunities for children to look at similarities and differences and change and continuity in our local area.
In Key Stage 1, the broad range of significant people studied are selected to represent and promote diversity and equality within our school.
As children move into Key Stage 2, they develop an awareness of British, World and local History through a variety of concepts. Studies of ancient civilisations such as Rome, are linked with local history. The significance of events, such as World War 1 and 2, allow children to apply knowledge in a meaningful context. Linking to our local context, children study and discover the impact of WWII on Failsworth and Manchester.
The curriculum is structured in a way that allows for children to make links between current and previous learning. Children are encouraged to make comparisons between historical periods previously taught, developing their chronological knowledge and understanding from the Stone Age to present day. These links and comparisons also develop the children’s knowledge of key themes, such as migration, invention and rulers.
As children develop curiosity about the past we want them to have the skills required to explore their own interests. History lessons focus on working as historians and developing historical skills and there are many opportunities for the curriculum to be enriched through historical visits, visitors and events held in school.