History
Intent
The intent of our History curriculum at Birchen Coppice Academy is to provide all our primary school pupils with a broad and balanced understanding of the past, fostering their curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking skills. We aim to inspire pupils to develop a lifelong interest in history, understanding its relevance to the present and their roles as active citizens. Our intent is underpinned by the National Curriculum for History, ensuring progression, coherence, and coverage across the years.
Implmentation
Our History curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced, designed to build upon pupils' prior knowledge and understanding as they progress through the primary years. We ensure that topics are well-chosen, meaningful, and encompass a range of time periods, themes, and local, national, and global contexts. Our curriculum covers key historical periods, such as Ancient Civilizations, Medieval History, World Wars, and significant events in British history.
We employ high-quality teaching and learning strategies to engage pupils actively in historical enquiry. Our teachers use a range of stimuli, including primary and secondary sources, artefacts, visual aids, drama, and visits to historical sites and museums. Leading questions, open discussions, and debates encourage pupils to think critically and form their own interpretations of historical events, fostering a curiosity and independent thinking.
We make language and literacy development an integral part of our History curriculum. Identifying the importance of historical vocabulary, we explicitly teach relevant terms, ensure their understanding, and encourage pupils to incorporate them into their speaking and writing. Pupils regularly engage in historical research projects, developing their skills in gathering evidence, evaluating sources, and presenting information coherently, both orally and in written form.
We actively seek meaningful cross-curricular connections within our curriculum, integrating History with other subjects, such as English, Art, Drama, and Geography. This approach enables pupils to make connections between historical events, societies, and cultures and deepen their understanding.
Our History curriculum promotes cultural diversity and inclusion by representing perspectives from a range of social, ethnic, and gender groups. We strive to provide a balanced and representative view of history, offering opportunities for pupils to explore lesser-known historical figures, events, and narratives. This inclusive approach ensures that all pupils can see themselves reflected in the history they study and develops their empathetic understanding of different peoples and cultures.
Impact
As a result of our intent and implementation, our pupils are engaged and enthusiastic learners of History. They actively participate in discussions, ask insightful questions, and demonstrate curiosity for understanding past. Pupils' knowledge and understanding of historical events, processes, and significance, as well as their ability to analyse and interpret historical sources, continue to develop progressively throughout their primary years.
Our curriculum and teaching strategies ensure that all pupils make good progress in History, regardless of their starting points. We provide opportunities for pupils to explore topics in depth, develop historical explanations, and make connections between different periods and contexts.
The impact of our History curriculum extends beyond subject-specific knowledge. Pupils acquire and develop essential transferable skills, such as critical thinking, analysis, interpretation, evidence evaluation, and historical empathy. These skills support pupils' development across the wider curriculum, fostering a love of learning and preparing them for future education and life beyond school.
Our History curriculum equips pupils with cultural capital by imparting a strong understanding of their heritage, local history, and British values. Pupils develop an appreciation for the achievements, struggles, and contributions of individuals and communities throughout history, fostering a sense of identity, pride, and belonging. Through exploring diverse historical narratives, pupils also develop an inclusive ethos, respect for differences, and an understanding of social justice.
Our History curriculum fosters excellent relationships with parents. We encourage parental involvement through homework projects, sharing resources and providing guidance on how families can support their child's historical learning outside of school. By connecting with local history societies, museums, and experts, we enhance community partnerships and enrich pupils' historical experiences through access to diverse historical sources and expertise.
In conclusion, our intent, implementation, and impact in delivering a broad and balanced History curriculum at Birchen Coppice Academy combine historical knowledge and skills, cross-curricular connections, cultural diversity, and inclusive practices. By fostering engagement, progression, and transferable skills, we ensure that our pupils develop a deep understanding of the past and its relevance to their lives, preparing them to become knowledgeable, reflective, and responsible citizens in a culturally diverse society