History at Brundall School is an important part of our Creative Curriculum. Our area is rich in resources and we endeavour to use the local area where possible, e.g: visits to museums, buildings and historical places. We welcome and encourage visits from people and utilise their ‘first hand’ experience in the children’s learning.
History is taught in both key stages and the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children are encouraged to investigate, enjoy and use a variety of resources and artefacts. All children follow the new National Curriculum in history which is taught in various ways allowing the children to achieve their full potential. In EYFS and Key Stage 1 this includes changes within living memory and the lives of significant people, e.g. Mary Seacole and Henry Blogg. In Key Stage 2, the learning is carefully planned around prescribed topics, i.e. Ancient Egypt, Anglo Saxon Invasions and Pre history.
As they progress through the school the children learn a variety of historical skills, knowledge, concepts and perspectives that will equip them for further study and enjoyment. History at Brundall School helps the children open ‘a little window on the past’. We encourage the development of fundamental British values through the History curriculum and this can include:
- highlighting the development of the democratic process through time in Britain, as appropriate to the age of the pupils
- how democracy works in Britain, and contrasts to other forms of government
- using ‘special weeks’ to celebrate different aspects of British heritage (for example, Shakespeare week
- movements through history that have combatted discriminatory behavior
- an appreciation of the rule of law.
Studying History fires children’s curiosity and imagination about who we are, where we come from, where we live and where we might be going next. It connects the past with the present and the future, helps children make sense of our place in the world and is central to their development as informed, active and responsible citizens.
The study of history encourages children to investigate the world around them, from the local to the global. They learn about the impact of peoples’ actions and understand the importance of developing a future that is sustainable. Whilst studying history we are also exploring cultures, beliefs, values, human rights and responsibilities, allowing the children develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others, and a sense of belonging. They see how societies are organised and shaped by people’s values and actions, and how communities can live and work together. Children learn about diversity and interdependence, fairness, justice and democracy. They begin to understand how events that happened in Britain long ago, or in other countries, can affect our lives today and how our actions can shape the future. Through our history curriculum we aim to give the pupils the knowledge, skills and interest to ensure they are ready for History lessons at secondary school.
