History Intent

At St. Brigid’s, we strongly believe that History plays an important role in developing pupils’ perspectives of the world they live in by introducing them to Britain and the wider world’s complex and captivating history. We teach History in a structured and ambitious way to enable children to know more and remember more about the past. At all times children will be encouraged to ask questions about changes in society and culture over time, and to deepen their understanding of how the world we know today was formed. We ensure that through our History Curriculum our Gospel values are reflected, and that pupils’ are continuously compassionate and loving towards those in the past who have helped to shape our lives today.

From Nursery through to Year 6, with high quality teaching, we develop the following essential characteristics of historians:

· an excellent chronological understanding of how different times relate to each other and contribute to a logical understanding of the past

· a range and depth of historical knowledge and understanding through a coherent programme of study, which builds on substantial and disciplinary knowledge from the Early Years through to the end of Key Stage 2

· the skills of interpreting a range of historical resources by ensuring that children are taught a wide range of historical periods as they progress through the school, enabling them to make connections, draw conclusions and analyse trends

· the ability to understand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used to make historical claims

· the skills to create historically valid questions and express well balanced opinions as a result of good knowledge and understanding of how the past has shaped our lives today

Planning by subject experts ensures that opportunities for cross curricular links are provided, which will enable children to question their understanding of the past. Educational visits and workshops will also be provided to bring History alive and further develop their historical skills and a life-long love of History.