History
Aim: That pupils understand and learn from the past.
At Garras, we have designed an ambitious, history- and geography-rich curriculum that enables pupils to build a secure understanding of key ideas, concepts, chronology and themes. Learning is carefully sequenced through the framework of ‘here, there and then, now, next’, supporting pupils to make meaningful connections across time. These thinking threads help pupils learn from the past and present, while preparing them for an ever-changing and exciting future.
History allows pupils to investigate what happened there and then, understand how it has shaped the world here and now, and use these lessons to help inform the future next. Through this, pupils are encouraged to become caring learners who develop empathy, respect and understanding for different people, societies and cultures across time.
Our History curriculum is structured and supported through the use of the Kapow Primary History scheme of work. This scheme has been carefully selected for its clear progression, strong subject knowledge and emphasis on historical enquiry. It inspires pupils to become curious and creative thinkers who develop a secure and increasingly complex understanding of local, British and world history. The scheme aligns fully with the National Curriculum and supports pupils in meeting end of key stage attainment targets.
We want pupils to develop the confidence to think critically, ask questions and analyse a range of historical sources and evidence. Through our curriculum, pupils build an understanding of significant events and individuals in local, British and global history, recognising change, continuity, cause and consequence over time. History supports pupils in appreciating the complexity of people’s lives, the diversity of societies and the relationships between different groups. By studying the past, pupils develop empathy and understanding, while learning from historical successes and mistakes.
Our curriculum supports pupils to develop a secure understanding of chronology in each year group, make connections across historical periods and build a chronologically secure knowledge of History. Pupils are taught how historians study the past and construct accounts, and they develop the skills needed to carry out their own historical enquiries. To prepare pupils for future learning, the curriculum introduces key substantive concepts such as power, invasion, settlement and migration, empire, civilisation, religion, trade, achievements of humankind, society and culture. Through this, pupils become courageous thinkers who are confident to explore complex ideas, consider different perspectives and challenge assumptions.
At Garras, we view History as much more than the learning of facts. It provides opportunities for pupils to develop enquiry skills and become open-minded “historical detectives”. First-hand experiences, including role play, educational visits, workshops and visiting experts, play an important role in bringing the past to life. We highly value our local Cornish heritage and ensure this is woven into our historical learning where relevant, helping pupils develop a strong sense of identity, place and belonging.