History
Bespoke Enquiry-Led History Curriculum at St. Mary's
At St. Mary's, we proudly implement a bespoke, enquiry-led history curriculum designed to cultivate a deep understanding of the past. Each unit is anchored by a thought-provoking enquiry question that guides our pupils' learning throughout the term, ensuring comprehensive engagement with the subject matter.
Curriculum Structure
The learning journey commences with an engaging lesson on chronology, followed by a series of enquiry lessons where children have the exciting opportunity to "discover" historical artefacts and analyse both primary and secondary sources. This hands-on exploration stimulates critical thinking and encourages students to form their own interpretations of history.
Creative Outcomes
To culminate their learning, students present their findings through creative outcomes that respond to their enquiry question. Possible projects include a museum exhibit, an assembly, a memorial statue, or a realistic replica of a Medieval castle. We prioritize a strong balance between written and oral presentations, as we believe that every child is a remarkable historian and that writing should never be a barrier to their expression.
Embracing Diversity
Our curriculum encompasses a diverse array of historical figures, including strong female leaders and individuals from various backgrounds. We explore significant moments in history, such as the Windrush and the Civil Rights Movement, ensuring that every child can see themselves reflected in the stories we tell.
Local History Integration
We place great emphasis on our local history, helping children develop expert knowledge of their surroundings. Our dedicated local history units in Year 2 and Year 6 make these connections explicit, while opportunities for local exploration, such as our visit to Manor Lodge during the Year 5 Tudor unit, enrich most historical topics.
Inspiring Lifelong Curiosity
Overall, our goal is to foster a love and fascination for history among our young learners, inspiring a lifelong curiosity that they can apply throughout their lives. At St. Mary's, we believe that engaging with the past empowers our students to shape their futures.
History Long Term Plan- An overview of our topics
Autumn Knowledge Organisers- Vocabulary and Sticky Knowledge for each of our Autumn Units.
Spring Knowledge Organisers- Vocabulary and Sticky Knowledge for each of our Spring Units.