History

Intent

At Gillibrand we aim to create an exciting and engaging curriculum that allows children to become passionate and confident historians.  Through our shared Key Stage approach, where children study the same period of history, we aim to create a shared love of history where learning is celebrated and enjoyed together.  At the heart of our curriculum is chronological understanding and enquiry.  In this way, we aim to ensure pupils have a secure understanding of the historical time periods studies in relation to different historical periods as well as becoming natural historians who are able to question the past.  We intend to make learning exciting and meaningful through the use real life artefacts, trips and visitors, and any creative and engaging ways we can recreate the past in our own classrooms.

Implementation

Like Geography, we use History as a ‘driver’ subject where the over-arching theme interlinks with other subjects.  To enhance our school community, pupils learn together as a Key Stage to create a community of learning across school.  In Key Stage 1, a two year rolling programme is adopted whereas in Key Stage 2 a four year rolling programme is adopted.

At Gillibrand, we understand that children are naturally inquisitive, and we aspire to develop this through the teaching of history by developing our pupils’ historical enquiry skills.  We understand the importance of chronology and building upon prior knowledge and understanding whilst comparing and contrasting historical periods.  Therefore, each cohort has its own visual timeline that is transferred form class to class as pupils progress through the school.

To enhance the curriculum further, we engage children with a stimulating and exciting topic introductions, and whenever possible use trips and visitors to provide specialist knowledge and understanding of the area of study.  We value our local heritage, community and history, and create links that are relevant and meaningful within the children’s own community of Chorley.  The pupils’ study of a significant person in Key Stage 1 has been chosen as Sir Henry Tate, famous for being a sugar merchant and establishing the Tate Galleries, and who was born in Chorley.  In addition, we use links with Astley Hall to develop understanding of Tudors and Victorians, exploring changes over time.  During war time studies pupils explore the history of local Chorley Pals and our Year 3 class annually visit the local cenotaph and take part in the Remembrance Day Ceremony.

Impact

The successful approach of teaching history at Gillibrand results in an exciting and meaningful history education that ensures continuity and progression. Through the use of 'Sticky Learning Big Books' we aid retention of both knowledge and skills so that these can be transferred and used in future learning, whether that be within history lessons or other areas of the curriculum.  Through the memorable experience created, pupils develop a love of history and are able to pose their own questions about the past, and then communicate their findings successfully in a variety of ways.  Pupils take pride in their learning and are able to speak confidently and enthusiastically about their studies.

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

History 2022