Intent, Implementation and Impact
Intent
History has always been held in high regard at Eastgate Academy, with the school’s own rich history within the context of the local area a celebrated and inspiring feature of the school. The history curriculum at Eastgate Academy makes full use of resources within the immediate and wider local area enabling children to develop a deep understanding of the rich history of their locality.
Topics are informed by the national curriculum and are sensitive to children’s interests, as well as the context of the local area. The history curriculum at Eastgate Academy is based upon the Primary Knowledge Curriculum (PKC) which we revised and fine-tuned to support the requirements of our learners. We found through both research and experience that enquiry-based learning greatly benefited our learners, providing them with ownership, enthusiasm and passion. In line with the national curriculum 2014, the curriculum at Eastgate Academy aims to ensure that all pupils: Gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world which helps to stimulate pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past; Are encouraged to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement; Begin to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.
Implementation
History is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. By the end of year 6, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day. They can draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this are studies of world history, such as the ancient civilisations of Greece, Rome and Egypt. We encourage our children to be independent and active learners by incorporating pupil voice throughout the learning process. We provide a range of experiences for our children giving them the opportunity to learn through practical and creative means to support the acquisition and application of key skills. The local area is fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with extensive opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice. Consideration is given to how greater depth will be taught, learnt and demonstrated within each lesson, as well as how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion. Outcomes of work are regularly monitored to ensure that they reflect a sound understanding of the key identified knowledge. Within our knowledge-rich approach, there is a strong emphasis on people and the community of our local area.
Impact
Outcomes in topic books, evidence a broad and balanced history curriculum and demonstrate the children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. Children review the agreed successes at the end of every session and are actively encouraged to identify their own target areas, with support from their teachers.
Emphasis is placed on analytical thinking and questioning which helps pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world and are curious to know more about the past. Through this study pupils learn to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. Regular heritage projects provide further relevant and contextual learning, engaging member of the community in children’s learning and providing positive role models from the community for children to learn from.