History

History is the who we are and why we are the way we are.

David McCullough

Intent

At Lenthall Infant and Nursery School, our history curriculum enables our children to develop an understanding and perspective of the past whilst having a simple understanding of chronology. Through real-life experiences, exploration of artefacts, and learning about the past through our enquiry-based learning challenges, learners will be able to recall and discuss facts about historic events, places, and people. Our children are encouraged to ask enquiring questions, weigh up information and draw informed conclusions about the past. We aim to inspire children’s curiosity about the past through creative lessons, visitors, and educational trips.

Implementation

At Lenthall Infant and Nursery School, we aim to deliver a history curriculum that is progressive throughout school and builds upon previous knowledge so that connections can be made. History is taught every term, focusing on the knowledge and skills set out in the National Curriculum. History is given the same importance as all other subjects. Knowledge and skills are taught progressively and regularly, allowing them to become embedded in the long-term memory of the children.

We ensure that teachers of the subject have excellent subject knowledge, and leadership supports the acquisition of this for non-specialist teachers. The subject matter is presented clearly, and teachers carefully check learning and identify misconceptions, providing direct feedback. Teaching is designed to ensure children know more and remember more. National Curriculum statutory requirements are planned and delivered using strategies based on our school ethos of awe and wonder. This includes:

• Working Walls
• Themed continuous provision
• Vocabulary
• Carefully chosen resources and related texts

Lenthall History Policy

Impact

History at Lenthall Infant and Nursery School is assessed using the following;

• Observation during lessons
• Oral responses to questions
• Marking of recorded work
• Pre and post-assessment quizzes/ tasks.
• Formal skills and assessment checklists

Come the end of each history unit/ learning challenge, teachers make a summary judgement about the work each pupil has completed in relation to the success criteria. The history subject leader monitors progress and attainment on a termly basis through a triangulation of the data, evidence in books, and through children’s voice.

Our Ultimate End Goal:

What will our historians be able to do when they leave us?

By the end of their time at Lenthall Infant and Nursery School, our historians will have developed a deep and broad knowledge of local, British and world history. The children will be equipped with the skills that will enable them to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments and develop perspective and judgement. They will understand the historical concepts of chronology, change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and the significance of events and their impact on the future. They will use historical terms and vocabulary accurately and effectively. They will know how to use a wide range of historical sources to enable them to research their own lines of enquiry. Historical learning experiences at Lenthall Infant and Nursery School will inspire our children’s’ curiosity to know more about the past and instil in them a positive attitude to learning. They will take away with them a respect for diversity, social responsibility and a sense of how events from the past have shaped their future. 

We are not makers of history.

We are made by history.

Martin Luther King JR