History

History at Outwoods is designed to equip our children with the skills needed to view the world in an open minded and inquisitive manner. We want to foster in children an interest in the past, and to develop an understanding that enables them to enjoy all that history has to offer. History allows our children to compare and contrast, to examine how and why and to develop their research skills. We want children to be knowledgeable about significant events and periods in British history and the wider world, have a good awareness of the chronology of history and appreciate how things have changed over time.

Studying history at Outwoods is a chance to become detectives and explore the past in an exciting way. History is taught through subject units which place history as an important part of the world around us, helping children understand how people have lived in the past and begin to understand the link between the past and modern times. The units of study give children the chance to explore a wide range of sources from which the past may come alive. The Outwoods skills and content grid for history has been designed to ensure there is clear progression of the skills and content outlined in the programmes of study of the National Curriculum. There are also separate grids for each year group and these should form the basis of teachers’ planning. There are unit titles, which are written as questions. As each unit is taught, teachers should highlight the skills and content grid to ensure that throughout the year, there is coverage of all the objectives.

History helps pupils understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and the relationship between different groups.

It is not just the learning of facts but the ability to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments and develop perspective and judgement.

High-quality teaching should inspire pupils’ curiosity to learn more about the past.

Aims

• know and understand the history of these islands as a coherent, chronological narrative: how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world
• know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world
• have an understanding of abstract terms and historical concepts
• understand methods used in historical enquiry
• gain historical perspective