History
At Harry Gosling, it is our aim to help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Our curriculum is designed to develop children’s understanding of:
- Change and continuity in the past and present.
- Similarities and differences across societies, cultures, and time periods.
- Cause and consequence in historical events and developments.
- Historical significance of people, events, and places.
- How sources of evidence shape our understanding of history.
- The ways historical interpretations influence how we view the past.
Through this, we aim to develop a sense of identity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of personal and collective heritage. There are multiple ‘themes’ in our History curriculum. Each half term incorporates at least two themes, ensuring diverse perspectives and skills are embedded into the historical inquiry. We ensure progression across the years and the table reflects how themes like Change and Continuity and Sources of Evidence evolve from simple comparisons in Year 1 to complex analyses by Year 6. We recognise ‘Thematic Interconnections’ in our curriculum. For example, Cause and Consequence often links to Historical Significance, as students consider the effects of major events and their lasting impact.
How History is taught:
Our enquiry approach encourages children to develop independent thinking. Children are immersed in their topic, explore relevant artefacts and historic evidence, ask questions, hypothesise using prior knowledge, then research and answer. We intend for our children to learn about history in an active and creative way and have real life experiences, often through fieldtrips or inviting visitors. A range of opportunities are provided to enable all pupils to communicate their knowledge and understanding of the subject. Links are made within and across lessons to support pupils in making connections and in developing a strong overview of chronology, breadth and local to global history. We aim to create an inclusive learning environment where all students, regardless of background or ability, are supported in developing a thoughtful and well-rounded understanding of history, empowering them to become informed and responsible citizens.
Knowledge and Skills Progressions:
Please click on the link below to see the specific skills and knowledge that are covered in each year group.