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Intent
At Kirk Merrington Primary school, we endeavour to teach History and historical enquiry within a broad and balanced curriculum. Pupils leave Kirk Merrington with a secure understanding of chronology; both in Britain and the wider world. Through carefully planned, progressive lessons, pupils are taught about the significance of different historical periods, key historical figures and how History has influenced their lives today. Our intention is that children learn both about History and from History adopting a curiosity and awareness of how History has been interpreted by different people at different times.
Through the study of historical evidence and through exploring their local area, pupils will develop a deep understanding of the rich History of their locality. Perhaps, more poignantly, pupils will leave our school aware of today’s challenges and how they will be viewed historically in later years.
Implementation
The National Curriculum is used to plan and deliver the teaching of History at Kirk Merrington in a systematic and progressive way. Through our History curriculum, we enable children to make connections, revise and recap previous History units. Using artefacts, pictures, photographs, film clips (primary and secondary), key vocabulary and historical evidence as a starting point, pupils are encouraged to discuss and reason with curiosity what they are presented with and how this can be interpreted. Having studied historical evidence, pupils are encouraged to react to History and use this knowledge to discuss, present, debate, re-enact and write from different historical perspectives. This embeds and consolidates pupils’ understanding of History and its impact on society. At Kirk Merrington, historical learning is made significantly more memorable by our carefully planned trips, educational visitors and workshops, both virtual and live.
History is taught weekly during alternate half terms (alternating with Geography) and the sequence of learning is carefully built upon. Vocabulary is progressively taught across the school and is recorded in the children’s ‘Speak like a Historian’ sheets which are in all Key Stage 2 children’s books.
Impact
Appreciation of History and the lessons it has for us, whatever our age group, is an enduring theme. Thus, it is vitally important that we develop an understanding of what drove our ancestors to act in the ways in which they did, both locally and in the wider world. In Kirk Merrington, we build upon this appreciation by inspiring a deep curiosity and understanding coupled with memorable experiences, which children are able to talk about long after. Book scrutinies and careful monitoring of planning, ensures that the delivery of lessons achieves this.
