Willerby Carr Lane Primary School
HISTORY
POLICY 2011
Introduction
History should fire pupils’ imagination about the past in Britain and the wider world. Pupils
should consider how the past influences the present, what past societies were like, how these
societies organised their politics, and what beliefs and cultures influenced people’s actions.
As they do this, pupils should develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of
significant events and people. They should see the diversity of human experience, and
understand more about themselves as individuals and members of society. What they learn
could influence their decisions about personal choices, attitudes and values. In History pupils
should find evidence, weigh it up and reach their own conclusions. To do this they need to
have opportunities to research, sift through evidence, and argue for their point of view – skills
that are prized in adult life.
Aims and Purpose
History teaching offers opportunities to:

develop children's sense of identity through learning about the development of
Britain, Europe and the world;

introduce children to what is involved in understanding and interpreting the past.
Objectives
Objectives for the teaching of History are listed in the National Curriculum document, but
pupils should be taught the following knowledge, skills and understanding:

Chronological understanding;

Knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes in the past;

Historical interpretation;

Historical enquiry;

Organisation and communication
To achieve the above, we should ensure that:
1. The children are given access to a wide range of historical sources.
Willerby Carr Lane Primary School
2. Work is differentiated in task by outcome when appropriate.
3. Cross-curricular links are exploited.
4. Use is made of historical artefacts on loan from museums/museums in a box.
5. Children are given opportunities for off-site visits.
Organisation
The place of history in the curriculum can be seen in the :
1. Long term Plan – Identifying areas of focus.
2. Termly outline plans – Covering the topic for the term and devised by the year group
teachers to ensure all objectives are covered within phases.
3. Short term lesson plans of year group teachers.
Resources
The whole school’s history resources are stored by topic in the Resource Room (in the red
trays at the rear of the room). After use, books and equipment should be returned promptly
and stored neatly.
The History Leader should be informed of all defects and breakages as soon as possible.
The Leader should be informed of any special equipment or resources that are required.
Planning & Progression
History is taught based on the objectives of the National Curriculum alongside our key skills
grids. Pupils should be taught knowledge, skills, chronology and understanding through a
variety of local history, British history, European and world history studies. This is achieved
through thematic, cross curricular planning throughout school. In the EYFS curriculum,
History is taught primarily within the “Knowledge and Understanding of the World” area and
generally covers history of the children and their families.
Assessment
1. Assessment will be ongoing based on levels provided by the National Curriculum.
Teachers in KS1 and KS2 will complete a levels grid at the end of each year, for the
subject leader to collate.
2. In the EYFS, assessment will be carried out at the end of the year, against the Early
Learning Goals.
3. The subject leader will keep a digital record of work from classrooms and displays.
Health & Safety
1. The children will be made aware of the need for care in handling artefacts.
2. Children should always wash their hands after handling artefacts.
3. When participating in historical visits children with disabilities and medical needs will
be provided for. Children will also be adequately supervised at all times in accordance
with East Riding of Yorkshire Educational visit Guidelines.
Inclusion
Staff will ensure that children with particular needs are catered for. Short-term plans will
ensure appropriately differentiated activities.
Teachers should value children’s own history. It should be recognised that children enter
school at differing stages of historical understanding and knowledge. All children should be
helped to achieve their full potential regardless of race, gender or disability.
Willerby Carr Lane Primary School
533561192
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This policy has been approved by the governors of Willerby Carr Lane
Primary.
Signed:
.....................
date:
... ........
Willerby Carr Lane Primary School
533561192
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