History

What do we want for our children in History and why is it important?

The intention behind the teaching of History at Ormesby Primary School is to stimulate the children’s interest and understanding about the life of people who lived in the past. Our aspiration is that History at our school is relevant and brought to life for children by using historical artefacts and real life experiences. We teach the children a sense of chronology, and through this, they develop a sense of identity and a cultural understanding based on their historical heritage. We endeavour to study significant local historical figures such as, James Cook, George Stephenson and use local historical sites such as Arbeia, Beamish, Captain Cook’s Museum amongst others for practical experience. The children learn to value their own and other people’s cultures in modern multicultural Britain. By doing so they consider how people lived in the past and they are better able to make their own life choices today. In our school, History makes a significant contribution to their understanding of British values by teaching about how Britain developed as a democratic society. We teach children to understand how events in the past have influenced our lives today; we also teach them to investigate these past events and, by so doing, to develop the skills of enquiry, analysis, interpretation and problem solving.

Whole School Overview for History

Click here to see the whole school overview for History.

How do we teach History at Ormesby Primary School?

Teachers are given the flexibility to teach History in a way which is purposeful to the children and captures their imagination. We try to give History a context through cross-curricular topics and links within other subjects. History can be taught regularly each week or may be blocked to allow for in depth learning. We include local historical figures and visit local places of historical importance to make History relevant to the children of Ormesby Primary School. We also invite visitors to school and have themed days to support the children’s learning in certain topics. We have taken part in initiatives such as Museum in the Classroom in conjunction with local museums. We also encourage the children to take part in and have an understanding of national events, such as VE Day, Remembrance Day and Royal occasions. Children in Foundation Stage are taught History mainly through the Understanding of the World element of the Early Years Foundation Curriculum with some aspects of the People in Communities. Through carefully planned topic-based activities, they will be encouraged to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding which help them make sense of the world. Activities include a mixture of play, discussion and adult directed activities.

To find out what your child will be learning in each year group, please click on the link below.

What is the impact of teaching History at Ormesby Primary School?

Through high quality teaching and learning, we aim for children to:

o Develop the confidence to be independent and take responsibility for their own learning o Achieve age-related expectations as set out by the National Curriculum in both historical knowledge and skills

o Acquire a rich vocabulary, which will enable them to articulate their understanding of taught concepts.

o Have high aspirations to do their very best in school and through to further study

Teachers track children’s progress against the National Curriculum objectives for history. This information helps teachers to plan for future learning and identify children who require support or further challenge.