History
BackFlamstead End School – History Curriculum
Intent:
At Flamstead End School, our History Curriculum is structured around our vision, substantive historical concepts, and disciplinary learning. We aim to give children the skills and educational experiences to make sense of the world around them, their place in it and understand how the world has changed over time.
Implementation:
In a history lesson at our school, you will see:
-An enquiry-led approach
- A wide range of high-quality sources being used
- Chronology being actively taught and referred to throughout topics.
In addition to this, substantive concepts are integral themes in history and help to form the building blocks of our curriculum.
Our core substantive concepts are:
- Monarchy
- Trade
- Invasion
- Empire
- Society/ culture
- Inventions/ technology
- Power
- Civilisation
- Settlements/ homes.
They are taught throughout a range of topics allowing for children to build connections, compare differing ages and develop their own historical perspective of the world.
We believe history should be brought to life, inspiring and utilising a pupils’ curiosity. This is part of the reason why we believe in an enquiry-led approach. We use a wide range of sources to help us do this. We use:
- Primary sources
- Secondary sources
- Videos
- Maps
- Role play
- Theme days
- Museum trips
- Visitors
- Workshops
- A variety of other sources
By giving children access to these experiences, we aim to help them build their disciplinary skills, in addition to their understanding of substantive concepts. We want children to understand how historians work and be able to think like an expert. We make use of a range of sources of evidence, to provide children with the opportunities to grow and hone these skills.
Chronological narrative and sequencing are important to a child’s understanding of history. It is an aspect of history that we believe, should be built up to and revisited often. In Early Years, children learn about their own history, before learning how to compare their own history with others. In KS1, we then look to widen the scope before moving to a mostly chronological curriculum in KS2. We do this with the aim that, by the time a pupil leaves our school, they should have a solid chronological narrative of world history, allowing them to achieve our vision: to make sense of the world around them, their place in it and how the world has changed over time.
To understand the world and your own place in it, we believe that you must understand others too. This gives you a sense of perspective and something to compare with. History is, by its nature, a diverse subject. Our curriculum reflects this, with children studying a range of cultures, significant historical figures from a range of backgrounds and the history of our local area as a comparison. This helps to develop cultural capital, empathy, and a deeper understanding of how the world has changed over time.
Useful Links:
National curriculum in England: history programmes of study - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Key Stage 2 History - Topmarks Search
Games - KS2 History - BBC Bitesize
History Games for Kids Aged 3–11 | Busy Things for families
Why not visit some local historical places?
Hertfordshire Historic Sites & Districts to Visit (Updated 2024) (tripadvisor.co.uk)
Your local library will have a wealth of resources that can aid your child in developing their historical skills too!
History in EYFS
In Early Years and Foundation Stage teaching at Flamstead End history skills are learnt through:
- Recounting personal memories
- Noticing changes (for example, seasonal changes)
- Reading stories set in the past
- Using language connected with the passing of time
- Role playing
- The celebrating of special occasions and events
- Talking about daily and weekly routines.
Here are some other examples of what History might look like in our Early Year and Foundation Stage classrooms.
Drawing Maps of Cheshunt with Old and New Houses
Black History Month
This October, we celebrated Black History Month at Flamstead End School. Black History Month is a time to share, celebrate, and deepen our understanding of the rich impact of Black heritage and culture. For many historians and campaigners, it’s a key moment to reflect on how the contributions of Black individuals have been overlooked in history.
Throughout the month, our students engaged in a wide range of learning experiences that highlighted these significant contributions. In Year 1, children learnt all about how Baroness Floella Benjamin has shaped history and inspired change by promoting more Black and Multi-Heritage role models in books and TV. Year 2 looked at renowned author Malorie Blackman and how she used her life experiences to help inspire her work as an author.
In Key Stage 2, students explored the work of Dennis Morris, a famous photographer, and delved into Black History through creative outlets like artwork, music, and historical research. Year 3 looked at how Black History has impacted upon the aspirations of others. Year 4 explored reggae music and how its messages have spread from one part of the world to worldwide, with a particular focus on Bob Marley. Year 5 investigated the power of photography and how Dennis Morris’ work inspired others; they recreated some of his famous artwork. Year 6 looked at how Dennis Morris helped to spread the culture of Reggae music and how, through people like him, the culture of Reggae was shared internationally.
In addition to these experiences, children also had many other opportunities. The school menu was changed, to celebrate food originating from the Caribbean, children attended assemblies about Black history, and we also had an assembly on current black researcher Haydn Francis. We had a fantastic month filled with learning, reflection, and celebration as we honor the many achievements and legacies within Black history.
Year 1 - How Baroness Floella Benjamin paved the way for others within her field
Year 3- Aspirations - What are our dreams?
Year 5 - Recreating Dennis Morris' Photographic Style
Year 6 - Dennis Morris - How did he help to spread Reggae?
Year 4 - Bob Marley and the power of Reggae Music
