History
Why do we teach History?
At Westcliff Primary Academy, we view History as a great deal more than learning facts. We see it as an opportunity to develop skills of inquiry and questioning; to become open minded “historical detectives” and explore the past in an exciting way. We offer our children the opportunity to explore links between different time periods and civilisations and build up a historical knowledge over their time at Westcliff.
How do we deliver History in school?
In the foundation stage, the children are learning about themselves and the world around them, and they begin to develop a sense of time and chronology through activities which involve looking how they have changed since they were a baby; the different seasons and why we wear different clothes at different times of the year and the cycle of celebrations throughout the year.
In Key Stage 1 and 2, the children will learn about significant events, figures, developments and eras which are linked to broad themes of Society and Community, Exploration and Invasion, Power and Conflict and Disaster. Within these themes, the children will address the historical concepts of:
- Chronology
- Evidence and Interpretation
- Cause and Consequence
- Change and Continuity
- Similarities and Differences
- Historical Significance.
In Key Stage 1, the children are introduced to significant figures, events and developments including famous explorers, Florence Nightingale, Kings and Queens, the Great Fire of London and developments over time in toys, healthcare and technology.
In Key Stage 2, the children take a chronological journey through history, beginning with the very earliest periods of the Stone Age and Ancient Egypt in Year 3, through Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire in Year 4, onto the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Ancient Maya in Year 5, and ending with World War 2 and an overarching study of Crime and Punishment in Year 6.
Our aim is for the children to develop a coherent and chronological understanding of the history of this country and its involvement and influences in the wider world. The children will recognise changes over time and will be able to make connections, draw contrast, analyse trends, frame historical questions and present their knowledge both orally and in written accounts. The children will use both primary and secondary historical sources to enhance their understanding of the past and will use historical vocabulary to explain their knowledge. They will gain historical perspective and, with each year, will increasingly be able to use their knowledge to understand connections between local, regional, national and international history, between cultural, economic, military, political, religious and social history; and between long and short time-scales.
History Curriculum