History 

Intent

At Dinglewell Infant School we aim to instil a love of History in every child by providing an interesting curriculum that intrigues and inspires their curiosity to want to learn more about the past.  We aim to provide a History curriculum with age-appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum History Programmes of Study, which meets the needs of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities.

Throughout their time at Dinglewell, our children will be taught about various historical events and famous historical figures and where they take place within a historical timeline. We would like our children to understand that the past has shaped the present and that our actions today will affect the future.

Our children will develop their historical knowledge and skills so that they are aware of the past in their day to day lives and surroundings.  Hucclecote and the surrounding area is rich in History, ranging from the Victorian era to World War 2 and to the more recent past.  Gloucester itself is seeping in history with its Roman beginnings, Cathedral and famous docks. 

Our aim is for our children to succeed in becoming an historian by providing opportunities for them to become critical and analytical thinkers, to possess a good understanding of chronology, and to form their own opinions and interpretations of the past by using sources of evidence.  Our History curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced to give the children the skills and understanding they need to access the Key Stage 2 History curriculum.

At Dinglewell Infant School we: 

• Develop their historical knowledge and skills so that they are aware of the past in their day to day lives and surroundings,  
• Inspire their curiosity to want to learn more about the past,
• Succeed in becoming an historian by providing opportunities for them to become critical and analytical thinkers, to possess a good understanding of chronology, and to form their own opinions and interpretations of the past by using sources of evidence. 

Our school values/curriculum drivers underpin all that we do at Dinglewell Infant School and are integral to our history provision:

• Care – we take care of irreplaceable artefacts and resources,
• Co-operation – we work together on tasks and value each other’s ideas and opinions,
• Creativity – we present our knowledge and understanding in creative ways,
• Honesty – we give honest opinions, but are aware that not all evidence is reliable,
• Respect – we respect other people’s points of view,
• Responsibility – we show an awareness of how the past has shaped our present, and are responsible in the choices we make, which will affect the future.

Implementation

At Dinglewell Infants, Early Years staff follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework (2021) which aims to guide children to make sense of their physical world and their community.  Listening to a broad selection of stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems will foster their understanding of our culturally, socially, technologically and ecologically diverse world, which has changed over time.  Children are introduced to vocabulary associated with history as they explore the passing of time in their own lives and learn about significant events in the past, e.g., Remembrance Day.

The History curriculum has been reviewed as a whole school, to ensure progression.  To guarantee coverage, planning will consider the progression of skills, knowledge and understanding as outlined in the National Curriculum. In KS1, the historical skills will focus on the world around them and their living memory of History before moving to events that go beyond living memory. This will ensure a firm foundation for KS2 History.

At Dinglewell Infant School History is taught throughout the year through topics, so that children achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic and have a good knowledge of the topics they teach.  Where possible and appropriate, cross curricular outcomes in History are specifically planned for in other subjects such as English.   Consideration is given to how every learner will be able to access the History curriculum and support is given to those who need it in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion.

Learning will start by revisiting prior knowledge. This will be scaffolded to support children to recall previous learning and make connections. Teachers will model the subject-specific vocabulary, knowledge and skills relevant to the learning to allow children to integrate new knowledge into larger concepts. 

Children will be given a variety of experiences within the classroom to create memorable learning opportunities, foster curiosity and enthusiasm for history, and to further support and develop their understanding.  They will be encouraged to question and analyse what has been presented to them, and to present their findings in different ways.  Trips are used where possible to enhance the learning experience, as well as exploring local history allowing the children to achieve a sense of relevance and belonging.

Teachers are continually carrying out formative assessments to check pupil’s understanding and identify misconceptions accurately. History assessments are completed throughout the topics.  Children’s knowledge and understanding in KS1 is assessed through recorded work and conversations with the children themselves.  ‘Pupil Voice’ is recorded in class ‘Foundation Subjects’ folders. Children are provided with clear feedback, usually verbally, but can also be in written form.  Assessments are used to inform teachers’ subsequent planning as well as give the History lead an overview of attainment throughout the school. 

Impact

By the end of Key Stage 1 our children will have developed secure historical skills that will support them in the next stage of their learning.  They will have a good understanding of chronology and will be able to place events and significant people on a simple timeline using the phrases ‘beyond living memory’ and ‘within living memory’.  Children will be able to make comparisons and connections between different time periods and their own lives and will be able to talk about events and significant people and how these have made an impact on the present day. 

Children’s work and individual class Foundation Subject folders will show the children’s knowledge and understanding of historical concepts.  Pupil voice is a chance for children to, not only talk about what they have learnt and make connections between their learning but also demonstrate their enthusiasm for History.  Photos and videos of children taking part in lessons will demonstrate children’s engagement with History and one-off moments that cannot be otherwise evidenced.

Our aspiration for our children is that they leave our school as well-rounded empathetic individuals who are aware of the struggles and achievements of the past, how these have impacted on our lives today and that our own actions will leave a mark on the future.