History Intent

History is all around us. The study of history should ignite in children a curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world. Through finding out about how and why the world, our country, culture and our local community have developed over time, children should understand how the past influences the present. History enables children to develop a context for their growing sense of identity and a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people. What they learn through history can influence their personal choices, attitudes and values. At Martley, it is our intent - when teaching history - to stimulate each child’s curiosity in order for them to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding.

We teach history to:

• Instil curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world
•  Encourage thinking about how the past influences the present
• Help children develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people
• Foster a sense of identity and an increased understanding of a child’s own position in their own community and the world
• Develop a range of skills and abilities - particularly those related to finding out about the past, explaining what happened and what people then and now think about what happened

Implementation

We teach following the National Curriculum, supported by a clear knowledge progression grid for Martley. A Whole School History Overview has been created by the subject lead to inform the long term class plans. This ensures that knowledge is built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. It is important that the children learn about the skills of a historian throughout their time at Martley and do not just learn a series of facts about the past. In history, children at Martley find evidence, weigh it up and reach their own conclusions. To do this successfully, they will observe how historians research, interpret evidence - including primary and secondary sources - and have the necessary skills to argue for their point of view.