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History

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At Drake Primary School, the intent of teaching History is to cultivate a passion for learning about the past among our pupils. We aim to provide a broad and balanced understanding of both British and world history. Our curriculum strives to spark curiosity about how past societies, systems, and individuals have shaped the modern world. Through our teaching, we emphasize critical thinking, understanding causation, and recognizing continuity and change throughout history. We believe that such skills are foundational for developing informed, empathetic, and engaged citizens.

Intent (What do we want the children to learn and why? What knowledge and skills are taught?):

The intent of the History curriculum at Drake Primary School is to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of the past through a comprehensive exploration of ancient civilizations, social and political history, significant individuals, changes within living memory, and the themes of invaders and settlers. Our curriculum is designed to develop students' disciplinary knowledge, allowing them to grasp complex concepts such as chronology, historical significance, cause and effect, similarity and difference, change and continuity, and historical interpretation.

Golden Threads:

  1. Ancient Civilizations: Understanding the foundations of modern society through the study of ancient cultures.
  2. Social and Political History: Exploring the development of societal structures and governance.
  3. Significant People: Highlighting individuals whose actions have shaped historical narratives.
  4. Living Memory Changes: Investigating transformations within living memory to connect past and present.
  5. Invaders and Settlers: Examining the movement and influence of people across regions throughout history.

Disciplinary Knowledge:

  • Chronology: Students will sequence events and understand historical timelines.
  • Historical Significance: Identifying and evaluating the importance of events and figures.
  • Cause and Effect: Understanding the reasons behind events and their consequences.
  • Similarity and Difference: Comparing and contrasting different societies and eras.
  • Change and Continuity: Examining what has changed and what has remained the same over time.
  • Historical Interpretation: Encouraging critical thinking through the analysis of various perspectives and sources.

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Implementation (How are we doing it? How are the pupils going to achieve the acquisition of knowledge? How does the curriculum delivery this?):

The history curriculum at Drake Primary Sc hool is strategically planned to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive learning journey from the early years through to the end of primary education. Our implementation centers around interactive and immersive learning experiences, including the use of primary sources, literacy integration, educational trips, guest speakers and visitors, and project-based learning. We align closely with the National Curriculum while tailoring content to inspire and challenge our students, drawing connections to local history where possible. The curriculum is designed to build progressively, revisiting key historical concepts and contexts to deepen understanding as pupils advance through the school.

 

EYFS: The EYFS does not teach history as a separate subject. Historical learning is embedded within Understanding the World, specifically the strand Past and Present.

 Children are encouraged to:

  • Talk about the lives of the people around them and their roles in society.
  •  Know some similarities and differences between things in the past and now, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class.
  • Understand the past through settings, characters and events encountered in books read in class and storytelling. 
 

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Years 1 to 6: The focus is on developing awareness of time, change, and similarities/differences through stories, discussions, and experiences rather than formal historical facts.

Year 1:

  • My Family History: Introducing personal history and basic chronology.
  • The Greatest Explorer: Identifying significant explorers and their contributions.
  • Great Invention: Understanding the impact of key inventions on society.

Year 2:

  • Bonfire Night and The Great Fire of London: Exploring cause and effect, and historical significance.
  • Holidays: Comparing past and present leisure activities to understand social change.
  • Our Local Heroes: Studying figures of local importance and their impact.

Year 3:

  • The Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age: Developing chronological understanding and exploring human development.
  • Our Local Area: Investigating local history and its connections to broader historical events.

Year 4:

  • Roman Britain: Examining the influence of Roman settlement in Britain.
  • Ancient Egyptians: Understanding social hierarchies and cultural achievements.
  • Crime and Punishment: Exploring changes in law and societal norms over time.

Year 5:

  • The Anglo-Saxons: Investigating settlement patterns and cultural integration.
  • The Vikings: Understanding the impact of invasion and cultural exchange.
  • Journeys: Exploring significant historical journeys and their effects.

Year 6:

  • The Mayan Civilization: Delving into an ancient civilization's advancements.
  • Ancient Greeks: Understanding foundational political and philosophical ideas.
  • Impact of War: Examining how conflict has shaped societies.
Impact:  (How do we evaluate what knowledge and skills pupils have gained against expectations?)  
   
   

The impact of our history curriculum is evident in the enthusiasm and engagement with which our students approach the subject. Pupils leave Drake Primary School with a solid chronological framework of significant historical periods and events. They demonstrate improved analytical skills, such as evaluating evidence and constructing arguments, which are consistently reflected in their assessments and everyday problem-solving tasks. Our students are capable of articulating their insights, recognizing the nuances and diversity of past societies, and understanding their relevance to contemporary global issues. We continually assess and reflect on our curriculum's effectiveness through student feedback, performance metrics, and staff evaluations, ensuring that our history teaching remains dynamic and impactful.

 

Conclusion  
   
   

Drake Primary School is committed to delivering a history education that not only aligns with the National Curriculum but also meets the distinct needs and interests of our pupils. By fostering a deep understanding of historical events and contexts, we prepare our students not just academically, but as informed members of society who appreciate the lessons of history and are prepared to contribute thoughtfully to the world.

Conclusion  
   
   

 

 

Impact: (How do we evaluate what knowledge and skills pupils have gained against expectation?)  
   
   
 

The impact of our

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history curriculum is evident in the enthusiasm and engagement with whichour students approach the subject. Pupils leave Drake Primary School with a solid chronological framework of significant historical periods and events. They demonstrate improved analytical skills, such as evaluating evidence and constructing arguments, which are consistently reflected in their assessments and everyday problem-solving tasks. Our students are capable of articulating their insights, recognizing the nuances and diversity of past societies, and understanding their relevance to contemporary global issues. We continually assess and reflect on our curriculum's effectiveness through student feedback, performance metrics, and staff evaluations, ensuring that our history teaching remains dynamic and impactful.

 

Conclusion:  
   
   

Drake Primary School is committed to delivering a history education that not only aligns with the National Curriculum but also meets the distinct needs and interests of our pupils. By fostering a deep understanding of historical events and contexts, we prepare our students not just academically, but as informed members of society who appreciate the lessons of history and are prepared to contribute thoughtfully to the world.

   
   

Contact Us

1 Johnston Terrace Ope, Keyham, Plymouth, PL2 2EN

T: 01752 567649