Welcome to History at Lightmoor
Intent
It is our intent that through our History curriculum, high-quality history lessons inspire children at Lightmoor to develop a curiosity and want to know more and remember more about the past. We want children to understand the important work historians do and why people acted the way they did, and the influence that has on their lives today. Our curriculum drivers are ‘Celebrating Diversity’ and ‘Endless Possibilities’, as we want to equip pupils with the diverse knowledge and understanding about how to interpret the past, understand chronology, build an overview of Britain’s past as well as that of the wider world, and to be able to communicate historically. Each topic is underpinned by rich, substantive knowledge and ambitious vocabulary, whilst also ensuring the children are developing their disciplinary knowledge (historical skills). As well as developing a breadth of historical knowledge, we want our children to understand the work of historians. We make comparisons within and between periods- similarities and differences, achievements, significance and implications for today. Above all this, we want children to be passionate about learning and understand the beautiful intertwining story that is history. Children will develop their experiential knowledge through museum visits, visits to heritage sites, handling artefacts and engaging in local study.
Implementation
The foundation subjects at Lightmoor are taught on a cycle to support the working memory of pupils by regularly revisiting each subject during the academic year. This ensures that children achieve depth in their learning. The most powerful knowledge and skills have been identified and given consideration to ensuring that progression across topics and year groups is achieved. At the beginning of a new unit of learning, children have the opportunity to recall prior learning as well as what they would like to find out. This informs the programme of study and also ensures that lessons are relevant and take account of children’s different starting points. Through our commitment to inclusion, there are high aspirations for all pupils. Appropriate scaffolding and challenge ensure that the needs of all pupils are met. Cross curricular links are capitalised on to deepen learning and the local area is fully utilised for local history study.
Impact
At Lightmoor, our pupils receive a broad and balanced curriculum. There are opportunities in individual lessons and at the start and end of a unit of work to assess whether children know and remember more. There are clear end points for pupils in all year groups to achieve age related expectations in history. We strive to ensure that all pupils at Lightmoor are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
