HISTORY

"History is a Greek word which means, literally, just investigation." - Arnold Toynbee

At Chandos, we aim for all children to leave our school with the ability to question, investigate and explain the historical knowledge and skills that they gain through their learning challenge enquiries. In order to do this, we have adopted a hands on, practical approach when teaching History where we promote and encourage children to seek answers for themselves by researching, looking at artefacts and various sources of information.

Every child, regardless of gender, race or ability will have equal access to the History Curriculum. We aim to provide for all children so that they can achieve their best according to their individual needs, whether they need additional support or more challenge.

CURRICULUM INTENT

At Chandos we:

Create successful, effective learners who understand and value scholarship and education
Create competent, critical thinkers who can challenge and develop ideas
Create effective communicators of our share beliefs, values and learning
Create tolerant and respectful global citizens who have an understanding and knowledge of our local, national and global communities

CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION

At Chandos, each new History unit begins with a 'big question', which the children aim to seek the answer to by asking a series of smaller questions during their learning. To find the answers to these, children take part in knowledge-led experiences which allow them to increase their understanding of concepts as well as learn and master new skills, therefore deepening their understanding of the past.

We want to empower our children to find answers for themselves and so pride ourselves on creating opportunities for children to ask questions, conduct research, and to look at primary and secondary sources of information and artefacts. Giving our children hands-on, practical learning experiences allows them to expand their knowledge in exciting and engaging ways as well as develop a secure understanding of new historical terminology and concepts.

EARLY YEARS

The Early Years Curriculum ensures that History is taught through ‘Understanding the World’.

Throughout their time in Early Years, children are given the opportunity to experience and discuss some historical events within living memory. Through the use of stories, videos, real life artefacts and guest speakers, children have the chance to ask questions and learn about the past.

EYFS-KS1 Bridge_ History.pdf

YEARLY OVERVIEWS

Every year group has three History units during a year, focusing on an aspect of History from the National Curriculum, including a study of a significant person and an event in Key Stage 1 classes and an aspect of British and World history in Key Stage 2 classes. We are proud to have so much history on our doorstep and so each year group also has a link to local history at least once within the year.

All children at Chandos will be taught the historical skills outlined in the National Curriculum. We have simplified these into four main categories to allow children to easily identify and build upon previously taught skills.

Please see our unit knowledge overview and progression grids below.

History Knowledge progression.pdf

History Progression Grid (1).pdf

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

We are extremely proud of the diverse backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities we have at Chandos and believe this is something that should be celebrated all year round. During the month of October, children learn about the lives of historical black people and their achievements in society and culture. Each year, we pick a theme that all children will focus on during the month and celebrate the work produced at the end.

During their time at Chandos, children will produce art, music and writing to showcase the amazing stories and talents of the people that they study.

The theme for Black History Month 2025 will be Music 🎶

CURRICULUM IMPACT

At Chandos, we aim to instil a love of learning through our broad and exciting history curriculum by encouraging children to develop ideas and ask questions for themselves and to communicate what they have learnt at every opportunity. Children gain an understanding of how the world around them has come to be by looking in depth and investigating the past.

At the end of every learning challenge, children will have the opportunity to respond the 'big question'. This is their opportunity to demonstrate and express what they have learnt during their topic by explaining historical concepts, knowledge and terminology and to show everybody how they have mastered the historical skills they have been taught. By talking to children and looking at their books, it will be evident that this is the case.

Miss Cockell, Mr Bancroft & Miss Roble are our History Subject Leaders

For more information about the History Curriculum, feel free to speak to them and ask any questions you may have.

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