History

INTENT

The nature of History inspires pupils’ curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world. Through the delivery of the History curriculum, we aim to equip pupils with the skills to find evidence, weigh it up and reach their own conclusions. In studying History, pupils endeavour to develop skills in recall, interaction and communication and what they learn can influence their decisions about personal choices, attitudes and values.

IMPLEMENTATION

Amwell View School have adapted the History curriculum in such a way that it puts the learning needs of our pupils at the forefront. History at Amwell View School can be taught as a standalone session, or discreetly throughout a variety of lessons. Aspects of History can be identified in a variety of curriculum subjects, especially Maths, Design and Technology, Art, Music, Geography and English. History related learning outcomes can be seen across the curriculum when looking at recall, recycling and our local environment. History can also be taught in a variety of environments such as the local community, outdoor resources such as ‘The Dell’ and the school garden. Educational visits to places of historical interest, support teaching and learning.

Pupils explore how the past influences the present, as well as what past societies, beliefs and cultures were like. Higher attaining pupils are encouraged to develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people. They are supported to see the diversity of human experience, and understand more about themselves as individuals and members of society.

In the EYFS, History is taught through the topic of ‘Understanding the World’. Pupils are encouraged to be present in the world around them whilst exploring their senses. Pupil outcomes revolve around interacting with adults and peers, as well as responding to a range of stimuli. In the lower and upper school, History sessions and outcomes revolve around recall and being aware of their surroundings, as well as looking at topics such as ‘Nurturing Nurses’ and ‘The Great Fire of London’. Lessons may also have a theme around a particular era of time and pupils can be immersed in different decades through the use of artefacts and music. In Post 16, History lessons focus on topics such as recycling and being aware of what we have used in the past. Pupils also think about journeys they have been on, how the journeys were sequenced and what they would change about their journey. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their learning and where appropriate, how pupils can challenge themselves in future lessons. Pupils are challenged within their learning and through the use of formative assessment are supported to continue to develop. For pupils in the community class, History is not taught as a standalone lesson, they follow a bespoke curriculum where they are encouraged to be functioning members of the community. History themes they cover include; reflection, learning about their local area and understand how their actions have an impact. For pupils with PMLD, a multisensory and immersive approach is taken. For example, travelling back in time through the use of sensory stories and exploring smells and textures of the past. Modes of delivery across the school may include: Visual and auditory presentation, practical experience, kinaesthetic presentation, multi-sensory and immersive experiences, investigative play, songs and rhymes, multimedia/IT resources and the use of the wider community.

IMPACT

History at Amwell View School aims to promote and develop skills surrounding recall, interaction and communication not only just in the classroom but in the community also. Pupils are confident in recognising familiar individuals and begin to understand the difference between strangers and people they know.

Pupils use resources and handle artefacts confidently and are encouraged to communicate effectively to request and recall what they have been exploring.

Knowledge and skills acquired through the teaching of History are transferred into other areas of the curriculum through recall and communication skills. Pupils are encouraged to recall what they have been learning to ensure they are present in their learning and communicate to others what they have been doing. In the future, the aim is for pupils to transfer these skills to other areas of their life.