Queen Elizabeth II

Our history curriculum is taught on a two year cycle (Year A and Year B) and within phases (EYFS/Year 1 & 2/Year 3 & 4/Year 5 & 6). Our history is taught in blocks, to allow the children to achieve greater depth in their learning. By the end of year 6, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone age through to present day. Children will also have a good understanding of history of the wider world, such as the ancient civilisations of Greece and Egypt, as well as knowledge of more recent world events such as 9/11.

Key skills in history have been identified for each phase and are built on accordingly as the children move through the school. Key drivers have also been identified for each topic, this allows teachers to make links to previous learning to allow children to make comparisons and connections between the different time periods studied.

Strong links with our literacy curriculum, reading choices and geography topics, enables further learning for our children, allowing them to develop their depth of understanding. Wherever possible children will be offered a wide variety of experiences to immerse them in history: trips, visitors, and experience days.

Children at St Andrew’s Benn will develop an empathy with people from the past and an understanding of how events in history still affect our lives today. Our children will also be inspired to ask questions, think critically, and delve deeper into the past. In turn, learning to weigh up evidence, identify bias and develop their perspective and judgement.

A wide range of outcomes will be evidenced in books, showing the children’s development of skills and knowledge. Assessments done at the beginning and end of each unit will allow teachers to evaluate the depth of children’s knowledge and understanding.