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Thomas Jolyffe Primary School

Thomas Jolyffe Primary School

History

History at TJ

At TJ we use the Kapow DT units to support the teaching and learning of the Design and Technology curriculum.

 

History Intent at TJ

Within History at TJ we use the Kapow Primary History scheme with the aim to inspire pupils to be curious and creative thinkers who develop a complex knowledge of local and national history and the history of the wider world. We want pupils to develop the confidence to think critically, ask questions, and be able to explain and analyse historical evidence. We work together to learn about significant events and individuals in global, British and local history and recognise how things have changed over time.

 

Throughout our History curriculum, children learn to appreciate the many reasons why people may behave in the way they do, whilst also developing empathy for others and learning from mankind’s past mistakes.

 

An important focus of our curriculum is to build the understanding of chronology in each year group, making connections over periods of time and developing a chronologically-secure knowledge of History. We hope to develop pupils’ understanding of how historians study the past and construct accounts and the skills to carry out their own historical enquiry.

 

History Implementation at TJ

In order to meet the aims of the National Curriculum for History and in response to the OFSTED Research Review into History, we have identified the following key strands:

At Thomas Jolyffe, History is taught across 3 half terms throughout the year. We aim to provide children with engaging and enriching learning experiences which allow them to investigate history as historians do. Each six-lesson unit has a focus on chronology to allow children to explore the place in time of the period they are studying and make comparisons in other parts of the world.

 

In EYFS, children explore the concept of history by reflecting on key experiences from their own past, helping them understand that they each have their own histories. Then, they engage in activities to compare and contrast characters from stories, including historical figures, deepening their understanding of how individual lives fit into broader historical narratives.

 

Children will further develop their awareness of the past in Key stage 1 and will know where people and events fit chronologically. This will support children in building a ‘mental timeline’ they can refer to throughout their learning in Key stage 2 and identifying connections, contrasts and trends over time.

The Kapow scheme follows the spiral curriculum model where previous skills and knowledge are returned to and built upon. For example, children progress by developing their knowledge and understanding of substantive and disciplinary concepts by experiencing them in a range of historical contexts and periods.

 

Curriculum History Impact at TJ

Outcomes in topic books evidence a broad and balanced History curriculum, and demonstrate children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge and skills. Impact is measured through learning walks, book scrutinies and discussions with pupils.  As children advance throughout the school, there is a clear progression of skills, and they develop deeper knowledge and understanding of Historical concepts.

When our children move onto Key Stage 3, they will be enquiring learners who ask questions and can make suggestions about where to find the evidence to answer the question. They will be critical and analytical thinkers who are able to make informed and balanced judgements based on their knowledge of the past.

Pupil Voice

 

In Spring 2024, our History leader spoke to some pupils about History at Thomas Jolyffe.

 

What you said...

'I like learning about different times and places'

'History is fun: I like finding out about the past'

'I'd like more History trips to help our learning'

'I liked learning about the toys my Grandma played with'

'The trip to Cadbury World was amazing!

We had fun and learnt more about the Mayans'

'I want to see more things from the past.'

 

 

 

Mrs Russell

History Subject Lead

 

 

Thomas Jolyffe Primary School is determined for all pupils to succeed. Since the previous inspection, many changes have been made. The school has prioritised the development of the curriculum to promote high expectations for all pupils. Staff invest in pupils to build positive relationships with them. Personal development is a strength. The school provides opportunities to enrich pupils’ experiences. Pupils value participating in sporting competitions, such as cross country, football and netball. They also take on positions of responsibility, including school councillors and inclusion champions. Pupils value the leadership skills that they are developing. The school has developed an inclusive environment, where all pupils participate in every aspect of school life. Recently, the school has had a new library. The pupils are very proud of it and say, ‘It is a reading wonderland. It is like walking into another world.’ (OFSTED April 2024)
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