Intent

At Eastover we aim to inspire children to think like an historian through a planned scheme of work, where units will focus on key concepts to develop children’s understanding of chronology, interpreting evidence and significance.  Lessons and workshops will ensure children have a secure knowledge of the chronology of British history and the wider world and will progressively develop their understanding of key historical vocabulary, such as past and present, cause and consequence.  This will enable children to demonstrate, evaluate and support what they have learned using historical terms to compare and contrast and challenge what they and others think.   

Implementation

The history curriculum at Eastover is implemented through carefully planned schemes of work and assessment opportunities which progressively develop children’s knowledge and understanding of key historical concepts and vocabulary.  The past is brought to life, evidenced and interpreted through the use of engaging resources, workshops and visits to museums and historical sites, enabling children to develop an enthusiasm for history and to apply historical enquiry skills.  Children’s knowledge and understanding of the history of where they live is also included in their learning through ‘Bridgwater Week’, when each year group focuses on a different historical aspect of Bridgwater, culminating in a display of what has been discovered across the school.

Impact

Children will be able to enthusiastically and confidently demonstrate orally and through their written work that they can use and apply historical enquiry skills to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of what they have learned and, where relevant, will be able to make cross-curricular links.  Children will be aware of the importance and impact of history in their learning and life today.  Assessment opportunities will show that children are developing and can apply the skills, knowledge and understanding they have been taught effectively and to a high standard.

Mantra

History is when we learn about important people and events from the past.

Quotes

“If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything.  You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree.” (Michael Critchton)

“History is, in its essentials, the science of change.” (Marc Bloch)

 

History Topic Overview
Year One	How am I making history? How have toys changed? How have explorers changed the world?
Year Two	How was school different in the past? How did we learn to fly? What is a monarch?
Year Three	Would you prefer to have lived in the Stone Age, Bronze Age or Iron Age? Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain? What was important to Ancient Egyptians?
Year Four	How have children’s lives changed? What changed in Britain after the Anglo-Saxon invasion? How did the achievements of the Ancient Maya impact their society and beyond?
Year Five	Were the Vikings raiders, traders or something else? What was life like in Tudor England? What can the census tell us about local areas?
Year Six	What was the impact of World War 2 on the people of Britain? What is the legacy of the Ancient Greek civilisation? Transition Unit: Unheard histories – Who should feature on the £10 bank note?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oracy in History

At Eastover, our oracy vision for History aims to inspire a deep understanding and appreciation of the past through meaningful communication.  We believe that oracy in History empowers pupils to engage critically with historical events, figures, and narratives.  We will do this:

• through structured discussions, presentations, role-plays, and debates so pupils at Eastover will develop the ability to articulate their historical knowledge, analyse different perspectives and construct reasoned arguments, supported by evidence from primary and secondary sources

 

• by pupils expressing historical ideas clearly and coherently, using appropriate language and vocabulary

 

Our oracy-focused approach aims to:

 

• encourage an inclusive classroom environment, where every voice is valued

 

• encourage pupils to listen actively and to enhance their critical thinking skills, enabling them to consider different perspectives, foster empathy and understanding of diverse viewpoints and respectfully challenge ideas

 

• give every pupil the opportunity to engage actively in historical enquiry, enabling them to develop as informed and articulate individuals

 

• give pupils the opportunity to work collaboratively with peers to discuss, research and present findings on historical topics, fostering teamwork and shared understanding

Aligned with the National Curriculum’s emphasis on chronological understanding, interpretation of evidence and historical significance, our oracy vision at Eastover aims to nurture informed, reflective and empathic citizens who appreciate the complexities of history and its relevance to the present day.  We strive to inspire a lifelong curiosity about the past and its importance in shaping our present and our future.