History

At St Joseph's, our intent is to ignite a passion for History and to equip our children with the knowledge, skills and understanding to become the next generation of historians! We encourage children to be curious and excited to learn about Britain’s past and that of the wider world and understand that History could also shape their future. A high-quality History curriculum encompasses themes which aim to foster awe and wonder and drive children to ask questions linked to the period of time they are studying. Through our teaching of History, we aim to equip children with both the tools and confidence to ask questions, reflect critically, challenge viewpoints and develop their own judgements based on historical evidence.

We use a thematic approach to develop historical skills and to encourage children to work as historians. We intend for our children to learn about History in an active and creative way. Our aims is to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for History, providing a broad and balanced curriculum that encompasses the British Values throughout, ensuring the development of historical concepts, knowledge and skills and for the children to study life in the past. History is taught over three theme blocks per year, with the forth theme being a chance to use the arts to revisit knowledge and skills, ensuring that children remember the learning and take it with them throughout their lives.

Through our carefully designed curriculum, the History topics will help children to gain an understanding of the complexity of people’s lives and the process of change, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time. This will be done by using a range of resources that will bring history to life and include photographs, diaries, newspaper articles, music and handling real artefacts from the past. Excursions, visiting experts and outdoor learning will enhance the learning experience. Other curriculum areas such as Art and Design Technology have been thoughtfully planned in with the History themes so that learning is contextual and meaningful. 

Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. By the end of Year 6, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this are studies of world history, such as the ancient civilisations of Greece and the Mayans.