History

Subject Leader: Mrs Russell

The History curriculum at Stella Maris is linked closely to the topics we develop around Power of Reading books. We believe that imaginative, powerful literature, both fiction and non-fiction, is an excellent way to engage children in learning about the world they live in, and the events that have led up to the present day.

Books such as Stig of the Dump or War Horse provide the starting points for in-depth study of history, as outlined in the National Curriculum. They also help to bring history alive for the children, providing memorable experiences that develop their knowledge and understanding of the way in which past events have shaped the landscape of the world around them.

History - Intent

Our History curriculum follows the core knowledge and understanding of the National Curriculum. At Stella Maris we know that understanding the past is vital to paving the way for the future and so our History curriculum is designed to encourage children to ask questions, enquire and explore the topics. We use cross curricular links with other subjects such as Geography and Science, believing there should be strong links between different subjects if children’s learning is to be effective.

Our aim is to enable our children to deepen their understanding of History – chronologically, socially and politically. We want them to be able to place historical events in the correct context and to interpret them reflectively. We want them to have an understanding of the range of evidence available for the study of history. Above all, we want them to be curious about the past, both in Britain and in the wider world.

History - Implementation

At Stella Maris we have developed our own curriculum programme based on our History Progression of Skills document. We give our children engaging opportunities to explore local history and events which have shaped our local community.

We teach engaging lessons that bring the past to life; we arouse the children’s curiosity and encourage them to become active and independent learners.

We encourage children to think carefully and critically as they develop questions and research the past, so that they develop a desire to embrace challenging activities, including opportunities to undertake high-quality research across a range of history topics.

Our delivery of the history curriculum is supported by a wide range of visits, both locally and nationally, for example: the Road of Remembrance, Folkestone and Dover Museums, The Globe Theatre in London. There are many and varied opportunities for role play and hands-on interrogation of historical evidence.

History - Impact

Our children leave Stella Maris with a well-developed curiosity about people and events from the past, the skills needed to ask probing and reflective historical questions and to seek appropriate answers to them, and a sense of responsibility for their role in ensuring that past mistakes are not repeated.

Our History curriculum starts the children off on a learning journey that ensures they are ready for their next steps at secondary school with the skills needed to be reflective and articulate as historians. In addition, they leave our school with powerful memories from the wide range of experiences they have encountered.