History Curriculum 

Intent
At RCPA, we aim to develop an understanding and appreciation of the past. We aim to provide pupils with a broad and balanced view of History in Britain, other societies and periods of time, whilst teaching pupils to develop the skills of enquiry, analysis, interpretation and problem solving. To ensure that pupils develop a secure knowledge that they can build on, our History curriculum is organised into a progression model that outlines the skills, knowledge and vocabulary to be taught in a sequentially coherent way. Pupils will develop a sense of chronology from the earliest of times to the present day, and through this they will develop a well-rounded knowledge of the past and its events. Pupils will learn to value their own and other people’s cultures in modern multicultural Britain and, by considering how people lived in the past, we aim to develop more informed, tolerant, respectful members of society. We aim to teach pupils about how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world and how we have developed as a democratic society. Pupils will learn life has not always been that way, as they learn about significant aspects of the history of the wider world, the nature of ancient civilisations, the expansion and dissolution of empires, characteristic features of past non-European societies and the achievements and follies of mankind. Pupils will evaluate a range of primary and secondary sources including ICT as a stimulus and source of information. Our historians will be able to explain clearly how these sources give us an insight about how people around the world used to live and how these interpretations may differ. Pupils will be taught to make links between these areas of learning, with the aim of developing engaged, motivated and curious learners that can reflect on the past and make meaningful links to the present day.

Implementation 
To ensure that pupils develop a secure knowledge that they can build on, our History curriculum is organised into a progressive model that outlines the skills, knowledge and vocabulary to be taught in a sequentially coherent way. History is taught throughout the year so that all pupils can achieve depth in their learning. Our curriculum is based on enquiry: It enables children to think and picture themselves ‘as a historian’ The children will be immersed in a core process of researching and discovering history. Learning will link conceptual development to new knowledge thereby deepening understanding of the subjects. At RCPA, the Early Years is the first opportunity to introduce pupils with vocabulary associated with History. Staff follow the Early Years Foundation Stage which aims to guide children to make sense of their physical world and their community. Listening to a broad selection of stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems will foster their  understanding of our culturally, socially, technologically and ecologically diverse world, which has changed over time. Pupils are introduced to vocabulary associated with history as they explore the passing of time in their own lives and learn about significant events in the past, e.g. Remembrance – this is the first step of becoming a historian. In KS1 and KS2 learning will start by revisiting prior knowledge. This will be scaffolded to support pupils to recall previous learning and make connections. Staff will model explicitly the subject-specific vocabulary, knowledge and skills relevant to the learning to allow them to integrate new knowledge into larger concepts.  Learning is regularly reviewed so that children can deepen their knowledge by over learning. History assessment is ongoing and informs teachers with planning lesson activities and differentiation; it will be tracked against the History progression of skills objectives.  Our historians will be given a variety of experiences both in and out of the classroom where appropriate to create memorable learning opportunities, foster curiosity and enthusiasm for history, and to further support and develop their understanding. Trips and visiting experts are used where possible to enhance the learning experience. Each topic commences with an overriding enquiry question to focus pupils and foster curiosity. Our Curriculum has been developed to ensure chronology and progression. To ensure coverage, planning will consider the progression of skills, knowledge and  understanding as outlined in the National Curriculum. In KS1, the Historical skills will focus on the world around them and their living memory of History before moving to events that go beyond living history. This will ensure a firm foundation for KS2 History. All pupils will be required to make connections and historical links with prior learning of people, events, societies and periods of time. Where possible, a cross curricula approach is adopted to maximise rich opportunities for learning and to provide 
further consolidation and depth of learning. 

Impact
We encourage the children at Roundswell Community Primary Academy to enjoy and value the curriculum we deliver. We will constantly ask the WHY behind their learning and not just the HOW. 
At RCPA, the impact of quality first teaching in History fosters a love and enthusiasm for the subject. 
Well-constructed and well taught lessons provide pupils with opportunities to research and apply skills independently, skills essential for lifelong learning. Lesson observations and book scrutiny indicates high expectations and reflect what pupils have learned. All learning builds towards clearly defined end points that are met. Children consistently show they are able to articulately answer the enquiry question. Pupils will leave KS2 with a strong knowledge of their local and national history and a confidence of how time has changed. All peoples will be able to discuss and recall a variety of events and where they happened in the world. Knowledge and skills will have developed progressively to not only enable them to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum but to prepare pupils to become competent historians in secondary education and beyond. We want pupils to have thoroughly enjoyed learning about history and have created a desire for them to learn more