Intent

History, at Hanbury’s Farm and Oakhill Primary schools, forms an integral part of the wider, curriculum. It is our goal that children will have gained a coherent knowledge and understanding of significant periods of time, with an understanding of how they have shaped history in: our local area, Britain or the wider world. We do this through the use of Kapow scheme of work, as well as enrichment activities.

Kapow Primary’s History scheme of work aims to inspire pupils to be curious and creative thinkers who develop a complex knowledge of local and national history and the history of the wider world. We want pupils to develop the confidence to think critically, ask questions, and be able to explain and analyse historical evidence. Through the scheme of work, we aim to build an awareness of significant events and individuals in global, British and local history and recognise how things have changed over time. History will support children to appreciate the complexity of people’s lives, the diversity of societies and the relationships between different groups. 

Pupils in our Early years setting will also develop their understanding of history. Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community. The frequency and range of children’s personal experiences increases their knowledge and sense of the world around them – from visiting parks, libraries and museums to meeting important members of society such as police officers, nurses and firefighters. In addition, listening to a broad selection of stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems will foster their understanding of our culturally, socially, technologically and ecologically diverse world. As well as building important knowledge, this extends their familiarity with words that support understanding across domains. Enriching and widening children’s vocabulary will support later reading comprehension.

Implementation

Each six-lesson unit has a focus on chronology to allow children to explore the place in time of the period they are studying and make comparisons in other parts of the world. Children will develop their awareness of the past in Key stage 1 and will know where people and events fit chronologically.

This will support children in building a ‘mental timeline’ they can refer to throughout their learning in Key stage 2 and identifying connections, contrasts and trends over time. The Kapow Primary timeline supports children in developing this chronological awareness.

Units are organised around an enquiry-based question (key knowledge question) and children are encouraged to follow the enquiry cycle (Question, Investigate, Interpret, Evaluate and conclude,

Communicate) when answering historical questions.