History at Oldfield
The History Curriculum at Oldfield follows the National Curriculum, aiming to ignite pupils’ curiosity about the past and help them understand how it has shaped the present. It encourages pupils to develop a coherent understanding of British, local, and world history while fostering key historical skills such as critical thinking, enquiry, and interpretation of evidence.
Aims of the History Curriculum
The curriculum ensures pupils:
Develop a chronological understanding of history, from ancient times to the modern era.
Gain knowledge of significant events, people, and changes in Britain and the wider world.
Understand historical concepts such as continuity, change, cause and consequence, similarity, and difference.
Use historical enquiry skills to ask questions, analyse sources, and make judgements about the past.
Develop an understanding of historical interpretations and how perspectives on history are formed.
Key Stage 1 (Ages 5-7)
In Key Stage 1, pupils begin to develop an awareness of the past and the concept of time. They:
Learn about significant events in history, such as the Great Fire of London or the first moon landing.
Study the lives of significant individuals who have contributed to national and international achievements (e.g., Florence Nightingale, Rosa Parks, Christopher Columbus).
Explore changes within living memory (e.g., changes in technology, schools, or homes).
Develop an understanding of local history and key events in their area.
Example activities include creating simple timelines, comparing old and modern objects, or studying historical figures through stories and artefacts.
Key Stage 2 (Ages 7-11)
In Key Stage 2, pupils build on their understanding by exploring history in a broader context, focusing on Britain and the wider world. They:
Study British history in chronological order, including:
Stone Age to Iron Age Britain (e.g., early settlements and farming).
The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain.
The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, including settlement and conflict.
A local history study, exploring a significant period or event in the local area.
Learn about a significant world civilisation, such as Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, or the Maya civilisation.
Explore a significant period in British history beyond 1066, such as the Tudor period, Victorian Britain, or the impact of World War II.
Develop historical enquiry skills by analysing artefacts, documents, and other primary or secondary sources.
Example activities include creating detailed timelines, investigating archaeological evidence, role-playing historical events, and analysing how societies have changed over time.
Progression and Integration
The curriculum emphasises progression in historical knowledge, concepts, and enquiry skills. Pupils move from exploring personal and local history to studying national and global events in a chronological framework. History often links to other subjects such as geography (studying historical places), English (exploring historical narratives), and art (analysing historical artefacts).
By the end of primary school, pupils develop a strong understanding of historical events, people, and periods, as well as the ability to think critically, ask perceptive questions, and evaluate evidence. This equips them with a deeper appreciation of the past and its relevance to today’s world.