Intent

At Springwood Junior Academy we want our pupils to be well-rounded individuals with a knowledge and understanding of the past. Our curriculum covers local, national and international history and promotes asking questions, discussion and debate. History lessons spark the pupils’ curiosity and inspire their love of learning.  

Implementation

History in Foundations@Springwood (F@S) is taught through the ‘Understanding the World’ strand of the EYFS curriculum. The pupils participate in discussions including talking about their past experiences and explaining how they have changed since they were born. As they move though to FS2, they begin small History focused topics enabling them to comprehend and discuss past events and individuals while comparing them to the present, drawing on their own experiences. The key skills stated in the EYFS curriculum goals and the focus on communicating effectively and developing new language and prepares our pupils for the next stage of their History education. 

As pupils enter Key Stage One the history focus changes to learning about key national and global events beyond living memory and significant individuals in history, such as Florence Nightingale and Edith Cavell. They also complete a scheme of work that focuses on changes in an aspect of life within living memory, for example, changes in shopping since 1940. Aspects of local history are incorporated into the history curriculum to ensure it is relevant to the context of the school. In Key Stage Two, history learning takes on a largely chronological approach, starting with the Stone Age in Year 3, to World War II in Year 6, alongside comparative topics such as ‘Crime and Punishment through time’. Each unit progressively builds on the prior year's knowledge, skills, and vocabulary, allowing pupils to reinforce their learning and make connections across the curriculum. This ensures that pupils develop a coherent narrative, from the earliest times to the present day, learning how people’s lives have shaped our nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world. They will also know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: the nature of ancient civilisations; the expansion and dissolution of empires; and features of past non-European societies. Tasks are selected to challenge all learners appropriately, and lessons employ a range of teaching styles and activities to keep pupils motivated. When feasible, pupils use their love of reading to deepen their understanding through research. We teach pupils to respect past events and people and their impact on the world we live in.

Impact

The effectiveness of our history teaching and learning is reflected in the outcomes in pupils' books, demonstrating their broad and balanced curriculum and knowledge and understanding. We regularly exhibit and share history work throughout the school plus via our Facebook page and website. Pupil feedback reflects their love for history, and they eagerly share what they've learned with others in a positive and inspiring manner.