Intent

History forms an important part of the curriculum. We believe they study of history encourages the children not only to enjoy learning about the past, but it enables them to have a better understanding of the society in which the live. As children increase their awareness of past events, they will develop a compassion for the people at the time and question decisions that were taken.  Because of this, we feel it is important for the subject to be taught individually as well as incorporated within other curriculum subjects such as literacy and art. 

The children will continue to appreciate history in a chronological context. They will develop a secure understanding of British, local and world history including ancient civilisations. This will include a focus on the local area each year where children are able to make links with local sites. The children will consider connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop the appropriate use of historical terms. They will use a wide range of skills including enquiry, analysis, evaluations and arguments along side the knowledge which will be combined in a final 'canopy' style question which will enable the children to work independently applying the knowledge and skills taught.

They will also learn to understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of different sources and spend time looking at, and dealing with, different sources. We believe that a source enriched curriculum is key to learning about life in the past. 

At St Mark's we also feel that learning from real life situations enables pupils to achieve in the easiest way. Therefore, we see the potential in learning outside the classroom. Each year group will ensure that they plan class trips to enriched and well resourced sites. For example, Chedworth Roman Villa, The Black Country Living Museum or Gloucester Folk Museum. If, for any chance, we don't feel it appropriate or that we just can't get to Greece...we will run a themed day - usually where the children dress up for effect.

Please see below for an overview created by Subject Lead, Mrs Clarke

What does "Mastery" in History look like?

A child working in greater depth will have a secure and deep knowledge of local, British and world history whilst noting connections, contrasts and trends. They should devise historically valid questions and construct informed responses through the use of multiple sources of evidence and be able to talk about how sources of evidence are reliable or not. A child working in greater depth will also be able to apply what they have learnt to current global issues or events.

Top Tips for Parents...

• Visit local places of historical interest
• Make history a ‘family affair’. Why not make meal times a time to discuss the history of your family? You could share photographs, stories, letters etc.
• Invest in, rent out or borrow the ‘Horrible Histories’ series of books written by Terry Deary
• Find historical fiction to read with your child and take time to talk about the events
• Spend time watching Newsround with your child and discussing modern events that may link to the past

Useful Web Links..

Looking to do some history home-schooling?

https://www.theschoolrun.com/best-history-home-schooling-resources

Take a look at this page which has loads of great history apps for primary age children

https://www.theschoolrun.com/best-history-apps-for-kids

This page has fabulous history book recommendations 

https://www.theschoolrun.com/best-history-books-for-children

Others of interest...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/forkids/

http://www.historyforkids.net/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/shows/horrible-histories