History

At Colham Manor, we strive to deliver a relevant and engaging history curriculum which inspires children's curiosity of the past.

History is important because it helps pupils to understand and interpret the past, and therefore, the present. Through history, pupils develop a deeper cross-cultural awareness and understanding of their own and others’ heritage, through looking at evidence and asking and answering questions. In history, we can analyse successes and failures, which, in turn, teaches us to learn from our mistakes.

Our Approach

We deliver the requirements set out in the EYFS framework and National Curriculum through the Dimensions  ‘Learning means the World’ programme, including specific British History competency units. Using a thematic approach, we hope to develop pupils' understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. 

Through 'Learning Means the World', the sequencing of history is planned using the triangulation of three elements:-

• The National Curriculum / EYFS framework
• Knowledge Building Pillars and Cognitive Blocks
• The Skills Ladder

The history learning within themes is designed to enable pupils to build on and contextualise prior learning using a contemporary, meaningful framework.

The Skills Ladder acts as an incremental model for skills acquisition and provides a benchmark for each year group, with teachers using the skills statements as a model for progression throughout the school. Growing in complexity and demand across Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils’ learning when linked to the Skills Ladder enables pupils to make good progress in their learning.

The Knowledge Building Pillars form a robust model of progression for knowledge and understanding, helping pupils to assimilate, synthesise and apply their learning within different historical contexts. This means that concepts are cumulatively built upon. For example, Continuity and Change would show children learning about how and why our school building has changed over time in Years Key Stage 1, understanding and explaining how cities kept people safe in the past in Lower Key Stage 2, to understanding the meaning of discrimination and giving examples from history in Upper Key Stage 2.

What Does History Look Like?

History is taught through thematic units. Our curriculum overview and long term planning maps out which thematic units feature this subject and clearly show the objectives taught. Key knowledge and skills of each unit of work are mapped across the school, ensuring that knowledge builds progressively and that children develop skills systematically.

History is taught through a combination of subject knowledge, historical skills, enquiry and fieldwork. Learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom.

What do we learn about in History?

We learn about the following:-

Old Things
Wars (World Wars, Civil Wars)

The Ancient Greeks

The Inuits

Roman Empire and Invasions

Inventors e.g. Thomas Edison

The Saxons

The Vikings

The Mayans

The Benin

Famous historical figures

Broadcasting

Religions

Democracy

Transport

Extinction

Animation

Technology e.g. the Internet and World Wide Web
The sinking of the Titanic

Significant local history figure / event

Apartheid / Anti-Semitism

Discovery of America / Native Americans
Legacy

Who do we learn about in History?

We learn about the following individuals:-

Thomas Edison

Thomas Barnardo

Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Victoria

Ada Lovelace

Mary Anning

Elizabeth Blackwell

Ignatius Sancho

Walt Disney
Mother Teresa

Roman Emperors and rulers

Ragnar Lothbrok

Harold Godwinson

Martin Luther-King

Nelson Mandela

Rosa Parks

Various World Leaders

Winston Churchill

How Can I Support My Child's Learning?

Introduce your child to their family history through stories

Sharing family stories with children is important and lets them know that people around them, people they love, people they view as heroes, also underwent obstacles and overcame them.

1. Interview a relative

Encourage children to ask grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and other relatives about kid-friendly topics

• What was their favourite childhood toy?
• Where did they live as a child? What was their home like?
• How did they meet their partner?
• What was the biggest event of their childhood?

2. Create a family tree

Use tools like the National Geographic Kids Guide to Genealogy to create a family tree, showing them how they’re connected to extended family.

3. Family food history

While baking or cooking with your children, share bits of family culinary history, such as your favourite foods as a child, who taught you how to cook and aromas you remember from your grandparent’s kitchen.

4. Go on an heirloom scavenger hunt

Explore some family treasures (heirlooms, photos, childhood treasures) on shelves, walls, lofts or storage spaces. Encourage your child to point out ones that interest them and then tell them all about it's origin story.