HISTORY AT GOLDSTONE
Intent
At Goldstone we want our history curriculum to engage and inspire our children and to spark a lifelong enjoyment and fascination for learning about the past. Children will learn how key historical events and time-periods have changed and shaped the world and how the impact of these developments has led us to where we are now. By studying elements of local, British and world history, children will develop critical thinking skills, the ability to question and research. They will leave Goldstone with a wealth of knowledge about British history and how it fits into that of the wider world.
Implementation
· In line with the National Curriculum, children will learn about local, British and world history in topics taught weekly over either a half or a full term.
· Historical skills are taught and revisited regularly so that they can be built-upon and developed as children move through the school.
· Children are encouraged to be critical thinkers: researching, scrutinising evidence and asking questions about their learning.
· Each topic is based upon one or more open ended ‘Enquiry Questions’ which provide a ‘hook’ for the children and inspire them to want to find out more.
· Our ‘Essential knowledge’ document ensures a basic framework for our teaching and learning. Prior learning can be revisited and links to future learning can be highlighted.
· We apply Rosenshine’s principles to our teaching of history.
· We make cross-curricular links in order to immerse our children in the period we are studying.
· We seek opportunities to enhance our curriculum through school trips and visitors to the school. We provide opportunities for the children to try to ‘experience’ the time themselves.
· We provide lessons with a range of outcomes, not always written, which allow children of all abilities to access and enjoy their learning; scaffolding where needed and challenging where appropriate.
· We assess the children's knowledge of history using 'Insight' tracking.
Impact
Children will leave Goldstone Primary School with:
- Secure knowledge and understanding of people, events and contexts from the historical periods studied (Stone age to present day).
- The ability to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. They will understand how the history of Brighton and Hove is woven into the wider history of Britain and the world.
- Strong methods of historical enquiry: they will be critical thinkers who scrutinise sources of evidence, ask probing questions and can research independently.
- An interest and continuing enjoyment in history and the desire to keep learning at secondary school.
