History
History at Manuden
At Manuden Primary School, we want children to develop a secure understanding of the past and an appreciation of how people, events and ideas have shaped the world in which we live.
Our history curriculum is designed to build pupils’ knowledge progressively over time while developing the skills needed to think and work like historians.
We want children to become curious about the past, ask thoughtful questions, examine evidence carefully and recognise that historical accounts can be interpreted in different ways.
How We Teach History
History is taught through carefully sequenced units that build on pupils’ prior knowledge.
Teaching includes:
- explicit teaching of key historical knowledge and vocabulary;
- developing chronological understanding;
- using a range of historical sources;
- asking and answering historical questions;
- considering cause and consequence;
- identifying change and continuity;
- exploring similarity and difference;
- considering the significance of people, events and developments; and
- comparing different historical interpretations.
Teachers make links between topics where this helps pupils understand broader themes and patterns across time.
Chronology
Developing a secure sense of chronology is central to our history curriculum.
Children learn to place people, events and periods in chronological order and to understand how different periods relate to one another.
As pupils move through the school, they develop an increasingly secure understanding of:
- sequence and duration;
- dates and historical periods;
- change over time;
- connections between different periods; and
- where local, British and world history fit within a wider chronological framework.
Historical Enquiry
Children are taught to investigate the past using a range of evidence.
Depending on the topic, this may include:
- written sources;
- photographs and images;
- artefacts;
- maps;
- buildings and places;
- oral histories;
- archaeological evidence; and
- secondary historical accounts.
Pupils learn that sources need to be considered carefully and that different pieces of evidence may provide different perspectives.
History in Our Mixed-Age Classes
Our mixed-age history curriculum is carefully planned to ensure full National Curriculum coverage and clear progression over time.
Where appropriate, Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6 follow a two-year curriculum cycle.
Teachers ensure that pupils build on prior learning without unnecessary repetition. Expectations, questioning and outcomes are adapted according to pupils’ age, prior knowledge and individual needs.
Historical Vocabulary
Developing accurate historical vocabulary is an important part of learning in history.
Key terms are introduced explicitly, revisited regularly and used in discussion and written work.
Pupils are encouraged to use increasingly precise language when discussing chronology, evidence, change, cause, consequence and significance.
Local History
We value opportunities to help pupils understand the history of the local area.
Where appropriate, pupils explore Manuden and the surrounding area through local places, buildings, maps, records and historical sources.
Local history helps pupils connect national and wider historical developments with places and communities that are familiar to them.
Supporting All Learners
We want every pupil to participate successfully in history.
Teachers adapt teaching and resources where necessary through approaches such as:
- visual and practical resources;
- explicit vocabulary teaching;
- additional modelling;
- structured questioning;
- adapted recording methods;
- pre-teaching or additional rehearsal; and
- targeted adult support where appropriate.
Adaptations are designed to remove barriers while maintaining ambitious expectations.
Assessment
Teachers assess history through discussion, questioning, pupils’ written work and their use of historical knowledge and vocabulary.
Assessment is used to identify:
- secure knowledge;
- misconceptions;
- gaps in chronological understanding;
- ability to use evidence appropriately; and
- development of historical thinking.
Teachers revisit important concepts where necessary so that pupils build increasingly secure historical understanding.
History Beyond the Classroom
Where appropriate, history is enriched through visits, visitors, artefacts, local studies and links with museums or heritage organisations.
These experiences help pupils bring the past to life and deepen their understanding of historical people, places and events.
Key History Information
- History Curriculum Overview
- History Progression
- History Policy
Find Out More
If you would like further information about how history is taught at Manuden Primary School, please contact the school office.
Email: office@manuden.essex.sch.uk
Telephone: 01279 813370