History
Intent
At Waverley Junior Academy, we offer a well-rounded history curriculum that focuses on gaining a knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Through our teaching, we want to inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past.
High-quality history learning encourages critical thinking skills, the ability to collate evidence, immerse in discussions and allow pupils to develop perspective and judgement. Learning is fun, stimulating, challenging and thought provoking to enable learners to make exceptional progress through all key stages. To support our pupils with having a rich understanding of previous events, we encourage them to generate questions and have conversations that will deepen their knowledge of the curriculum. We want to enable children to gain a sense of their own identity within a social, political, cultural and economic background.
Implementation
History in Foundations@Waverley (F@W) is taught through the ‘Understanding the World’ strand of the EYFS curriculum. In Nursery, the children participate in discussions including talking about events from their past and explaining how they have changed since they were born. As they move though to FS2, they begin small History focused topics to support them to understand and talk about events and people from the past and to compare to now, drawing on their own experiences and information learnt from books. The key skills stated in the F@W curriculum goals and the focus on communicating effectively and developing new language and vocabulary ensures our pupils are prepared for the next stage of their History education.
Within KS1 and KS2, History is taught in blocks throughout the year. The key knowledge, skills and vocabulary of each unit builds progressively across year groups, allowing children to build on and embed prior learning and make links across units. Where possible, cross-curricular links are also made – this includes using our History focuses within our English writing or making links in Maths. Tasks are selected and designed to provide appropriate challenge to all learners. Lessons are engaging and include a variety of teaching styles and tasks to ensure pupils are motivated. When possible children use their love of reading to research and deepen their understanding. They are taught to show respect for events and people from the past and how they have shaped the world we live in.
Impact
The impact of successful teaching and learning in History is shown through outcomes in our pupils’ books. Within these books there will be evidence of a broad and balanced curriculum that demonstrates children’s knowledge and understanding. History work will be regularly displayed and shared throughout school or via our the academy Facebook page and website. Pupil voice will show a love for History and children will be eager to share what they have learnt with others in a positive and inspiring manner.
History @ Waverley
Events
Each Year our pupils attend educational visits to bring their History learning to life. These days are important as they support pupils to deepen their learning and understand History in the ‘real world’. The Waverley children always return from their visits inspired and motivated to learn more.
Each year we invite specialists into the academy to hold workshops for our pupils linked to their History topic. The workshops provide practical experiences that the children enjoy and create memories that support them to recall key information.
Each year we mark a number of important events. This includes the whole school taking part in special assemblies, theme days and even parties. We learn more about these important occasions in our History lessons.
Useful websites:
If you have any questions about how History is taught within school or how to further support your children at home please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Pridmore (History Lead).