Our History Coordinator is Mr M. Ali

Why do we teach what we teach? (Our intent)

History at St. Mary’s is fun. Children investigate links between how we lived in the past and the present day. They discover how things work and build a picture of their local area, British history and the wider world, through the exploration of ancient civilisations and powerful societies. We ensure our study of history represents a range of views considering the role of women, people of different ages, different heritages and other groups. The skills developed help children to compare and identify what is important and how the past can affect our present day. In order to use historical learning, children must also develop their understanding of place, events, locality, how things work, how things were built which enables creative links across our curriculum, especially English, geography, art, drama, computing, DT and to a lesser extent PE, maths, science and music.

How do we teach it? (Our implementation)

We immerse ourselves in our history topics; our learning is centred on children’s curiosity. This historical enquiry is essential to develop skills such as identifying and then contrasting similarities and differences. Each year develops an understanding of chronology helping children to recognise how things fit together in the wider world. In KS1 our learning begins with creating links between our children’s lives and those of lives in the past. An enquiry or investigation is the start point in KS2 when children may undertake their own research and identify key questions to explore further.

What is the difference that this makes? (Our impact)

Children become experts in their area of history developing research, speaking and listening skills whilst embedding key historical vocabulary. Engaging in historical re-enactments, drama and analysis helps them identify problems or issues they may have studied in the past and consider alternative solutions. History embeds an understanding of how we can solve issues by making changes.

Links to websites that will support and deepen children's learning of history: