West Bridgford Infant School History Vision

We want our children to develop a growing awareness of their own past and aspects of their own life which have changed over time. We want them to be aware of the differences between past and present and the changes over time in the wider world around them. We want them to think critically about the past, ask and answer questions as they progress through into Key Stage 2 so they are equipped with historical skills and knowledge. 

Intent

At West Bridgford Infant School we teach a knowledge-based curriculum which encourages children to discover and explore. History is sequentially planned so that prior learning is continually built upon.  Our planning follows the Early Years Statutory Framework, enhanced by Development Matters in the Early Years, as well as the National Curriculum in KS1. History is blocked in topic-based themes and meaningful links are made to other curriculum areas where appropriate to ensure it is fully inclusive to every child. This is underpinned by our Shine Brightly themes.

Implementation

At West Bridgford Infant School, History is taught in termly blocked topics, direct teaching is used to introduce, model and guide new learning and to scaffold new knowledge being taught. This is followed by focused guided group work with a Teacher. This means misconceptions can be identified and addressed quickly and ongoing assessment can occur. Alongside this, our continuous provision approach allows the children to practice, apply and embed their new learning in a range of practical independent activities. In addition, it requires them to communicate their findings in different ways, including using the computer, drama and through drawing and writing and to develop their independence and problem-solving skills.  Children will listen to and talk about stories from the past, famous people, traditional stories and rhymes, as well as stories that illustrate the passing of time. Trips and visiting experts enhance their learning experiences.

Impact

We ensure that children at West Bridgford Infant School are equipped with historical knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 2. As a school we aim for our children to see that there is life outside of their own immediate environment. We want the children to have an enthusiasm about history, therefore encouraging them to undertake new life experiences now and in the future.

We measure the impact of our curriculum in the following ways:

Pupil discussions about their work, what they have learnt and how they can improve.

Continual marking and assessment of the children's work to inform future planning.

Work scrutiny - by the subject leader in order to monitor the content of teaching

and quality of work.

Children are given quizzes, early morning activities and opportunities to discuss past topics to assess and embed their learning.

At the end of EYFS, pupils are assessed against the ELG's.

Pupil progress and attainment is monitored closely termly and used to inform teaching, before being shared between year groups upon transition.