History Subject Leader: Mr Hakner

History

Curriculum Aims

The aim of the History curriculum is to provide our pupils with a coherent understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. The curriculum provides pupils at Gade Valley with a chronological narrative of the past and the ability to place eras and events on a timeline in chronological order. Throughout the curriculum, pupils also develop their understanding of significant events, how these have shaped life in the present day and that of the wider world. 

In addition, it is the aim of the curriculum to develop pupil's historical concepts, such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance. Pupils draw on primary and secondary sources to make judgements about the past and understand how different interpretations of the past have been made. The History Curriculum will also teach our pupils how to effectively carry out research and ask relevant questions to find out more information about the past. 

How We Teach History

At Gade Valley, in Early Years, the subject is taught via the Early Learning Goals linked to the specific area ‘Understanding the World’. During their time in Early Years, the pupils will discuss the lives of people who are familiar to them and ask questions to find out more information. From Years 1-6, pupils will learn about three significant History topics. The timing of this unit of lessons is flexible depending on the content being covered and the skills being developed. Each unit of work has been carefully written using the guidance of the National Curriculum and teachers refer to the skills and knowledge grid to inform their planning. At Gade Valley, we also exploit cross-curricular links where possible within our units, for example, many classes have linked their English, Art, French and many other units to their History topics.

Our teaching of History at Gade Valley is based upon the Gade Valley Principles of Teaching and Learning. This provides guidance for teachers to ensure that learning is effective. These include, challenging the pupils, maximising learning time, providing clear learning goals and ensuring the environment is stimulating and enhances pupils' learning. Throughout History lessons, these principles are adhered to and this means that pupils develop the core skills from the History curriculum. In addition, at the start of all History units teachers effectively use summative and formative assessments to inform their planning, for example, using 'I know, think and wonder' at the start of the unit to understand children's prior knowledge, as well as using the skills and knowledge progression grids to assess where they are with their learning. Teachers also use a range of resources in their teaching, such as the use of artefacts and the world wide web.

Key Developments and Information for 2021/22

Up to July 2023, the following measurable impact includes:

• In the 2022/2023 academic year, the large majority of pupils achieved age related expectations or above.
• Pupil voice has shown that:
• Pupils enjoy learning about history.
• Teachers give clear explanations of history.
• Pupils know how to get help if they need it.

• The vast majority of pupils find that work in lessons are challenging.
• The pupils note that they particularly enjoy ‘Wow days’ such as Ancient Egypt day or Victorians day. They also reported that they particularly enjoy lessons where they are active.
• Observations that have been carried out, found that all teachers used the teaching and learning principles effectively to develop lessons and that pupils demonstrated a good understanding of learning. 
• Teachers completed a subject audit where the majority felt confident teaching vast areas of the curriculum.
• We have developed our use of feedback and how work is presented. Monitoring has shown that books show progress across the year groups and that pupils are learning and applying a range of historical skills.
• Staff have had CPD on teaching and planning history and follow-up sessions have seen this new learning being implemented. 
• The school has taken part in WOW Days to promote significant historical events and raise the profile of History. These include work relating to the coronation of King Charles III and celebrating Women in History. 
• From September 2023, the school will be using a new scheme of learning to support the teaching and learning of history.

To see the learning in History, please visit the History page on the Celebrating Our Curriculum section.