History
History At Easton Primary School
Intent
At Easton Primary School, our history curriculum is designed to develop children’s skills and knowledge as historians. We aim to foster curiosity about the past, enabling children to learn from history’s lessons and understand the diverse societies that have shaped our world. Aligned with our school values of Creativity, Resilience, Kindness, Curiosity, and Adaptability, history is taught to ignite children’s inquisitive nature, encourage analytical thinking, and develop their ability to ask thoughtful questions about the past.
Through a carefully planned curriculum, children build a strong foundation of historical knowledge while developing skills such as seeking information, analysing sources, and forming connections between different periods of history. We place particular emphasis on local history and enriching cultural capital through visits, artefact handling, and hands-on experiences, ensuring children understand history’s relevance to their lives.
By the end of their primary education, we aim for pupils to:
- Be confident in their ability to think critically and question historical events.
- Understand key historical concepts such as continuity, change, cause and consequence.
- Retain a rich knowledge of historical facts, figures, and periods, which they can draw upon to compare and contrast.
Implementation
Curriculum Design and Progression
- We follow the Kapow History Scheme, which has been adapted to suit our mixed-age, small-school context.
- A rolling programme ensures units of work are selected and sequenced to build on prior knowledge and develop historical skills. Connections between periods are highlighted to strengthen understanding.
- Units incorporate local history, helping children relate the past to their community while making connections with wider British and global history.
Teaching and Learning Approaches
- Lessons combine enquiry-based learning, practical activities, and cross-curricular links to create a dynamic learning experience.
- Written work complements oral discussion and hands-on tasks, allowing pupils to express their understanding in a variety of ways.
- Mixed-age classes are accommodated with differentiated tasks and tiered expectations.
Cultural Capital and Enrichment
- Trips and enrichment opportunities bring history to life. Pupils handle artefacts, engage in workshops, and visit historical sites linked to their studies.
- Local community links provide opportunities for children to explore history within their own surroundings.
Assessment
- Teachers use formative and summative assessment through observation of class discussions, analysis of written work, and evaluation of practical activities.
- Regular revisiting of prior learning ensures retention and builds long-term knowledge.
- Outcomes are recorded in the school’s tracking system, and pupil progress is monitored by the subject lead.
SEND and Inclusivity
- Lessons are adapted to ensure all pupils engage with the content. Strategies include:
- Simplified texts and scaffolding.
- Flexible methods of recording (e.g., verbal responses or visual representations).
- Adult support and tailored questioning to scaffold learning.
Staff Development
- The history lead oversees the subject through regular Quality Assurance, including lesson observations, book scrutinies, and discussions with staff and pupils.
- Teachers are supported with Kapow training videos, which provide subject knowledge and practical strategies to enhance delivery.
Impact
Through this curriculum, children leave Easton Primary School with a rich understanding of history, confident in their ability to pose questions and think critically about the past. They develop the skills to analyse, compare, and connect historical events while appreciating how history shapes the world they live in today.
