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 shared 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, we teach our wider curriculum through the learning challenge model. Each new topic begins with a 'big question', which the children aim to seek the answer to by asking a series of smaller questions. 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.

KS1 and KS2 Yearly Overviews

Every year group has three learning challenges which focus on an aspect of History from the National Curriculum.

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

Year Five

Year Six

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. Children produce art, music and writing to showcase the amazing stories and talents of these people.

Please see to the left, some of the people that children will study.

Historical Skills To Be Developed

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.

They are as follows:

Children will know where people and events in British, local and world history fit chronologically as well as understanding the narrative within a period of time studied.

Identify similarities and differences within and across periods of time, understanding how different sources or versions of the past exist and that we use these to construct narratives of the past.

Develop and use historical terminology correctly to compare and contrast trends within history.

Ask historically valid questions using historical vocabulary accurately, constructing informed responses by selecting and organising relevant historical information.