History
We follow the requirements of the National Curriculum in history.
At Winstanley Primary School, we believe that high-quality history lessons inspire children to want to know more about the past and to think and act as historians. We encourage our lessons to fire children’s curiosity to ask questions and know more about Britain’s past and that of the wider world. As soon as children join our school, we encourage them to develop a sense of chronology. Our history is organised chronologically so that children can understand the process of change and how they arrived ‘here’ and encourage them make sense of the present. Links are made within and across topics so that a deeper understanding is achieved; this also helps to support children’s learning since previous knowledge is revisited and reinforced.
It is important for our children to be able to look at how the past is represented and ask questions as to its reliability. They must use historical events to understand how all sections of society were treated and acknowledge their place in history. Encouraging argument and debate, we believe, is a healthy way for children to understand our past and use this knowledge to bring about a fair and equal tomorrow.
We believe in making links not only within history, but also across the curriculum. For example, knowledge acquired in geography lessons can be used to deepen understanding in history, such as studying rainforests in year 5 geography, then reflecting on this knowledge when looking at how Mayan housing was affected by the climate in year 6.
In foundation stage, the children are given a sense of how things can change over time, both for themselves and their local environment. In nursery, stories are used to help sequence ideas. This helps them understand how events are ordered and allows links to be made to real life, such as their school day. Life cycles also help our children to understand how humans and animals change over time. Exploring the seasons gives the children a sense of passing time and how the changes in our environment can help to identify particular parts of the year. In Reception, this knowledge is revisited and built on by introducing artefacts and encouraging the children to develop a sense of ‘what’s the same and what’s different.’
Enrichment
We further develop the curriculum through visitors to school and visits out e.g. Speke Hall, Trencherfield Mill and Tatton Hall
Assessment
At the end of each topic, children are assessed against their understanding and knowledge of the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum.
How can I help my child at home?
History is all around us. Use the local area to ignite an interest in what has happened in the past and how this has influenced today. Look at the dates on older houses; visit the local war memorials; talk to grandparents about their memories of the area or of any significant events they may remember. Look at old photographs together and talk about relatives: understanding about your own past can help to establish an understanding as to your own life and how it has been shaped over the generations. Take advantage of free museums and explore what they have to offer. Our country is rich in history and there are ample opportunities to feel involved.