At The Federation of The Annunciation Catholic Schools, History is at the core of our curriculum. We instil a love for the subject within our children encouraging them to have a thirst for knowledge about the past. Through our exciting history lessons, children are given opportunities to investigate different events in the past, analyze different perspectives, develop their chronological understanding, explore their own identities and find out where they belong in society. 

At our school, we use a hands – on approach through historical enquiries. We have a wide range of artefacts and sources that we use to develop our children’s understanding and enable them to become critical thinkers. Children ask thought-provoking questions, analyse and interpret evidence and evaluate arguments and identify motives. Timelines are clearly displayed in every classroom helping children to develop their chronological understanding. We ensure children understand where different events in history are placed so they understand their own place in history. 

Our children are taught the importance of history; we encourage them to learn from past mistakes by considering the consequence of actions on a bigger scale as well as considering their own role in society now and in the future. Teachers effectively use children’s misconceptions to challenge ideas. We ensure that our children are able to communicate their learning with others by using historical vocabulary. For example, year 6 organised a history exhibit to share their knowledge of their local study World War II with other year groups.  

Our History curriculum is taught by teachers with high expectations who plan and deliver lessons that are interesting, extends children’s understanding and considers the local context. The curriculum is informed by the National Curriculum and our diverse community. Links have been made throughout and teachers ensure to build upon any knowledge children have already gained previously. Topics are revisited through ‘flashbacks’ in every lesson to help puthrough enquiries. Teachers use the progression of skills document to ensure the children are developing their historical skills throughout each topic. 

 
KS2: In Key Stage 2, we were recently awarded the gold award from the Historical Association for our work in history. Our children explore topics including, ‘Prehistoric Britain’, ‘The Roman Empire in Britain’, ‘The Ancient Greeks’ and ‘Crime and Punishment.’ They develop a deeper understanding of British, local and world history and learn to interpret information from a range of historical sources. For example, in the Year 5 topic ‘Ancient Benin, pupils explore this ancient civilisation, learning about where they lived, what their lives were like and how their society was organised. Pupils will investigate evidence left behind as a means of understanding this civilisation better. In the Year 6 topic ‘World War 2’, pupils will discover what life was like in their local area of Burnt Oak during the war and how they protected themselves especially during the Blitz. 

KS1: In Key Stage 1 Children explore topics comparing homes today and house hold objects in the past. They are beginning to understand time and how society can change within living memory. Children sort artefacts into old, new, past and today. They develop enquiry skills by both asking and answering questions. Children learn about the life of significant people and how they have shaped history. In year 1 children learn that Alexander Graham Bell invented the first telephone. They then investigate the similarities and differences between telephone communications today and in the past. Children also explore the history of the local area. They compare Burnt Oak now and how it was more rural in the previous 100 years. Children in Year 2 learn about the consequences of the Great Fire Of London. They discover how London was rebuilt and why modern London is different and improved.

EYFS: Children in Nursery and Reception learn about Past and Present by talking about changes within their lifetime. They talk about how they have developed and changed since being a baby to developing new learning skills in school. Children also talk about significant events and people who are important to them. They talk about similarities and differences between transport today and how people travelled before cars and trains. Throughout the EYFS children are taught about different people, cultures and communities They learn about different celebrations like Guy Fawkes, Diwali, Christmas and Chinese new year. Children are introduced to the concept that in our world children come from different countries and religions. They learn about different festivals throughout the year.