History- Subject Lead - Tana Wood

The subject lead for History is Mrs Tana Wood.

Here at Ampney Crucis C of E School, it is our aim to instil a love of History in all our children. We aim to provide a history curriculum with appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum History Programmes of study. Across KS1 and KS2 we use an adapted version of the Key Stage History scheme to provide an interesting and varied curriculum that interests and intrigues our children while meeting the needs of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. From EYFS up to the end of KS2, the children will be taught about various historical events, where they take place within a historical timeline and significant historical figures, some of which have shaped the world today.  We also look at different events across the year, such as Black History Month in October and Remembrance in November to share different experiences from History and study significant people.

History topics are carefully planned and sequenced to ensure that current learning builds on previous knowledge. In turn, pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain's past and that of the wider world. As the children move up the school, they are encouraged to work as historians to carry out enquiries; they ask questions, think critically, and analyse sources of evidence. 

Early Years 

In Early Years, children's understanding of history is developed through the planning a and teaching of the "Understanding of the World" area of learning. The children find out about past and present events in their own lives, their families' lives and other people they know.

The pupils develop a sense of change over time and are given opportunities to differentiate between past and present by observing routines throughout the day, comparing and contrasting characters and figures from the past in key stories, growing plants, observing the passing of seasons and time and looking at photographs of their life and of others.

Key Stage One

In Key Stage One, pupils study three History topics throughout the year. Our curriculum has been designed to ensure there is a diversity of significant figures and periods of history that reflect the community we serve.

Each History topic has a key question that links to it. For example, Why did the Great Fire of London destroy so much? This question guides the sequence of lessons and children display their ability to answer the key question, as well as use vocabulary correctly in context.

Knowledge organisers are provided at the beginning of each new topic, which outline the Tier 3 vocabulary the children will learn in the topics.

Children secure their understanding of the difference between past and present and use appropriate words and phrases relating to the passing of time. They begin to establish a chronological understanding of where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework.

Key Stage Two

In Key Stage Two, pupils study two in depth history topics throughout the year. Through Key Stage 2 pupils continue ot develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history.

History lessons address questions about change, cause, similarity and different and significance. Children develop an understanding of how the past is constructed through a range of sources.

Children learn about the changes that happened in Britain from The Stone Age, The Vikings and The Anglo- Saxons. They also learn about early civilisations including Ancient Egypt, The Romans, Ancient Greeks and The Mayans.

Trips and Visits

Throughout their time at Ampney Crucis, the children visit places of historical interest both in our local area and beyond. In our local area we visit areas linked with the Romans, as Cirencester was such an important location. The children also visit museums further afield to provide further insight into their history topics.

Impact

Regular book looks and lesson walkthroughs showcase our broad and balanced History curriculum and our pupil's desire to find out more about the past.