Cranborne Primary School
The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future!
History
History shapes who we are. It is in every family story, every building, every painting, map or new archaeological discovery. Understanding history give us a better understanding of the world, of ourselves, of different places and people.
At Cranborne we want every child to share our passion for history and develop their sense of curiosity about the past. We help children to gain an excellent knowledge and understanding of people and events from a range of historical periods. They will develop their knowledge of chronology and consider how things change over time.
Through the teaching of history, we develop children to think like historians: how to use evidence, develop their questioning, to make interpretations and connections and to understand context. Above all, to understand history is never simple, often controversial and that one view or perspective will never give the whole picture.
History develops the children’s ability to think critically about events and communicate ideas in different ways. It develops the ability to think, reflect, debate, discuss and evaluate the past.
We aim to learn lessons for our own futures by thinking carefully about the consequences of actions in the past.
The teaching of History in Cranborne:
In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in history, we teach a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. History is taught as part of a half-termly topic, focusing on knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum. At Cranborne, we ensure that history has the same importance given to it as the core subjects, as we feel this is important in enabling all children to gain ‘real-life’ experiences.
In our EYFS, children begin to develop their sense of chronology by talking about their own life story and the life story of family members. They are supported to communicate in the past tense when talking about things that have happened. Our children explore images of the past and make comparisons with the present. In KS1 and KS2, history is taught once each term. Teachers plan sequences of lessons across the unit that will build on and develop the children’s knowledge and skills. In Key Stage 1, our curriculum is mapped to enable children to develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time. They will start to know where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework and identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods. As they progress through the key stage, they will begin to make comparisons and connections between people and events in the past. In Key Stage 2, children will continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study. This chronology, or sequence of events, will be referred to throughout KS2 so that children become secure in their understanding of important historical events and eras. It will also enable them to begin to identify trends over time and develop the appropriate use of historical terms such as ancient and civilisation.
The knowledge that children will develop throughout each history topic is mapped across each year group and across the school to ensure progression. We also maximise the opportunities of trips and visits in our local area. Therefore, children’s learning in history is enriched by visits to carefully selected venues, where workshops and visit materials deepen their understanding and knowledge. Teachers also use Key Stage History to develop their subject knowledge.
EYFS - Knowledge and understanding of the world
In Early Years, the curriculum is concept-based and carefully planned to provide all children with a wider understanding of the world around them. Children begin to make sense of their own family history and use their own life experiences to build a sense of the past and present. Timelines are introduced of their time in Reception so all children gain an understanding of the passing of time and that events that are relevant to them can be ordered chronologically. Children also understand the past through settings, characters and events encountered in books as well as having varied opportunities to explore and role play different roles within society.
Year 1- Creating Cranborne
In the Autumn term, Year 1 learn all about Cranborne and how it has changed through the years. They use old photos to ask and answer questions about the past. Time lines are created for the children to label with key words, phrases and pictures. First hand recounts from people who have experienced the changes are also shared and children are given the opportunity to interview and talk with staff who have been at Cranborne for a while in order to gain knowledge.
Year 2 - The Great Fire of London
Year 2 have been learning about the Great Fire of London. They have learnt about the sequence of events during the fire and how people escaped. They have looked at Samuel Pepys diary and learnt that it was a piece of key evidence for the Great Fire of London. Here are images of Year 2's visit to London. They saw the Great fire of London Monument, London Bridge and the Golden Boy of Pye Corner.
Year 3- Stone Age
In year 3, the children learn all about the Stone Age. They learn what 'prehistory' means and the sequence of BC to AD timelines. The children enjoy learning about what life was like in the Stone Age and enjoyed their trip to Celtic Harmony where they built fires and dens and learnt how to hunt and gather food.
Year 4- Ancient Egyptians
In the Autumn term, Year 4 started learning all about the Ancient Egyptians. They've studied the location of Egypt, learning about The River Nile and The Valley of the Kings. They've also learnt what made the civilization so successful. Children have used their Art and design skills to create a cartouche out of clay. Here are images of their 'History off the page' visit where the children became Egyptians for the day. They made canopic jars, bread, perfume and performed a play and dance to the Pharaoh.
Year 5- Ancient Greece
In year 5, the children learn about Ancient Greece. They love learning about Athens vs Sparta, Alexander the Great and the Olympics.
Year 6- Ancient Mayans
Curriculum overviews:
| Name | Format | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Files | |||
| Reception Curriculum.docx.docx | .docx | ||
| Year 1 Curriculum.docx.docx | .docx | ||
| Year 2 Curriculum.pdf.pdf | |||
| Year 3 Curriculum.docx.docx | .docx | ||
| Year 4 Curriculum.docx.docx | .docx | ||
| Year 5 Curriculum.pdf.pdf | |||
| Year 6 Curriculum.docx.docx | .docx |