History at West Wycombe School

At West Wycombe School, the history curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive and progressive understanding of historical events and their impact on society. The curriculum is structured to build on students' knowledge year by year, with each year group focusing on specific historical topics.

Intent

Our school is committed to delivering a comprehensive history curriculum that aligns with the National Curriculum standards. Our intent is to inspire students to develop a deep understanding of historical concepts and knowledge through an inquiry-based approach. By exploring significant events and individuals, we aim to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy while building awareness of human behaviour's complexities and societal diversity.

Implementation

Our history curriculum uses a spiral model, allowing students to revisit and build upon their knowledge and skills across historical contexts. Each lesson is thoughtfully crafted to engage students through hands-on activities and historical inquiry, ensuring all learners can access the content. Teachers are provided robust support and resources to enhance their subject knowledge and effectively deliver lessons promoting chronological awareness and substantive concepts. The curriculum includes knowledge organisers and assessment strategies to track student progress and understanding.

Impact

The impact of our history curriculum is measured through both formative and summative assessments, enabling us to monitor student progress and identify areas for improvement. By the end of their education, students will have developed a well-rounded understanding of British and world history, including the ability to form historical arguments and make connections between different periods. Our goal is for students to leave equipped with the skills necessary for further education, demonstrating critical thinking and a passion for history that will serve them throughout their lives.

Reception:
    Introduction to personal history and changes in toys and exploration.

Year 1:
     How we make history
     Historical changes in toys.
     The impact of explorers on the world.

Year 2:
    Differences in schooling over time.
    The history of flight.
    Understanding monarchy.

Year 3:
    Life in prehistoric times, including the Stone Age, Iron Age, and Bronze Age.
    Beliefs of Ancient Egyptians.
    Roman settlement in Britain.

Year 4:
    Achievements of the Ancient Maya and their societal impact.
    Challenges of Roman invasion and settlement in Britain.
    Changes in children's lives over time.

Year 5:
    Comparison of the Maya civilization with the Anglo-Saxons.
    Contributions of the Greeks.
    Viking identity (raiders vs. traders).

Year 6:
    Life in Tudor England.
    The impact of World War II on Britain.
    Insights from local census data.

Links Between Topics:

• The curriculum starts with personal and familiar history in the early years, gradually expanding to broader historical contexts.
• There is a progression from understanding personal and local history to exploring ancient civilizations and significant historical events.
• The curriculum integrates themes of societal impact and change, such as the influence of explorers, the development of flight, and the effects of invasions and settlements.
• Comparative studies, such as those between the Maya civilization and the Anglo-Saxons, help students understand different cultures and historical periods.
• The focus on significant historical events, like World War II, and the use of local census data in Year 6, provide students with a deeper understanding of how history shapes the present.

Overall, the history curriculum at West Wycombe School is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of historical events and their lasting impact, encouraging students to make connections between different periods and themes as they progress through their education.