At Bickley Primary School we view History not only as simple facts and dates, but encourage pupils to become detectives who explore the past in an exciting way. By doing so we enshrine our key values of:

- Resilience
- Independence
- Collaboration
- Reflection
- Creativity and imagination
- Curiosity and investigation

History is taught mainly through a topic based approach and gives pupils a chance to explore a wide range of sources from which the past which comes alive as they follow their own lines of enquiry in real and purposeful contexts.

 

EYFS
Children in the Foundation Stage study History  (Understanding of the World) through a range of fun play-based activities and experiences. Understanding of the World is split into two distinct focus areas: People and Communities and The World.

People and communities

As children learn about the world around them, they find out about the past through talking to parents, grandparents and friends and they develop an interest in their own story, as well as the stories in their family – this is the beginning of developing an understanding of the past and helps them to learn about how other people are different from them, yet share some of the same characteristics and ideas.

The World

Understanding of the world develops as children take notice of everything around them, including places and all the things within them such as trees in the natural environment, and roads and traffic in the built environment. Finding out about places begins initially when a child learns about their own home and the things nearby, then later as children notice things on journeys to and from home – such as the sequence of the traffic lights or names on street signs. This awareness is extended by visiting places and finding out about different elements of environments in books, on TV and through using other technology. This aspect also focuses on learning about cause and effect and is developed through having conversations with adults and other children about the things they observe.

Key Stage 1 and 2

History is taught throughout key stage 1 and 2 using a creative approach to learning. Studying History gives pupils the opportunity to develop an understanding of why the world and its people are the way they are today.  They begin to ask questions as they explore the diversity of human experience, past lives and societies. 

We follow the 2014 History Curriculum which focuses on British history. The idea is that by the end of their primary education, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from Stone Age to present day and are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. 

Interlinked with this is the need to look at world history.  At Bickley the children explore the ancient civilisations of Egypt, Greece and the Mayans, developing their understanding of trends over time and across concurrent civilisations.

Educational Visits

Learning is brought to life by a range of enrichment activities which includes visitors to the school, role play activities and trips to places of historical and geographical interest. This ensures History helps children to -

· Engage in questions about people and events in the past helps them understand the present and prepare for the future.

· Understand people’s relationships with the physical and built environment, helping them form ideas about how to live.

· Learn about the impact of their actions on the planet and understand the importance of developing a future that is sustainable.

· Develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others, and a sense of belonging.

·  Interpret the world around them, from the local to the global.

· Become aware of how communities are organised and shaped by people’s values and actions, and how communities can live and work together.

In these ways, children learn about similarities, differences, diversity and how we live in an interdependent world.

https://www.britishmuseum.org/learning.aspx

https://www.geffrye-museum.org.uk/learning/walk-through-a-victorian-house/walk-through/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/games/mummy_maker/index.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/games/viking_quest/index_embed.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/famouspeople/

http://www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/historyhunt/

http://www.schoolsliaison.org.uk/kids/bombdamage.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/dynamo/history/stepback.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/forkids/

http://www.primaryhomeworkhelp.co.uk/history/