HISTORY
The Vision
Using Kapow Primary’s History scheme of work, we aim to build an awareness in our children of significant events and individuals in global, British and local history, and recognise how things have changed over time. History will support children to appreciate the complexity of people’s lives, the diversity of societies and the relationships between different groups.
Studying history allows children to appreciate the many reasons why people may behave in the way they do, supporting children to develop empathy for others while providing an opportunity to learn from mankind’s past mistakes.
The scheme aims to support pupils in building their 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 enquiries.
Curriculum Coverage
Lessons are designed to be varied, engaging and hands-on, allowing children to experience the different aspects of an historical enquiry. In each lesson, children will participate in activities involving disciplinary and substantive concepts, developing their knowledge and understanding of Britain’s role in the past and that of the wider world. Children will develop their knowledge of concepts and chronology as well as their in-depth knowledge of the context being studied.
Over the course of the scheme, children develop their understanding of the following key disciplinary concepts: • Change and continuity • Cause and consequence • Similarities and differences • Historical significance • Historical interpretations • Sources of evidence
Substantive concepts such as power, trade, invasion and settlement, are introduced in Key stage 1, clearly identified in Lower key stage 2 and revisited in Upper key stage 2 (see Progression of skills and knowledge) allowing knowledge of these key concepts to grow. These concepts are returned to in different contexts, meaning that pupils begin to develop an understanding of these abstract themes which are crucial to their future learning in History.
History in Action videos explain the careers and work of those in history and heritage-related fields. Historians, archivists, archaeologists, museum curators, teachers and heritage experts discuss their love of history, how they became interested in the subject, how they got into their jobs and what their jobs involve.
Pakeman History knowledge skills vocabulary
Assessment
At the end of each unit of history children will be given two short assessments: a ‘skill catcher’, to show how they have developed their important history enquiry approaches; and a knowledge quiz.
After the implementation of Kapow Primary History, pupils should leave school equipped with a range of skills to enable them to succeed in their secondary education. 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.
How to help your child at home
Children will bring home a ‘Knowledge Organiser’ for each unit of history they study. This has key information and facts about the topic. If you want to help your children progress, ask to see their Knowledge Organiser and have a conversation with them about it. Tell them what you know about the subject. You could find a book from the local library or go online and help them research facts so that they can then add to the Knowledge Organiser, or create whole new pages!
The children are also given a ‘Homework Takeaway Menu’ each half term with six creative tasks to choose from. The tasks are all linked with their learning somehow, but can range from making a model, to posters and poems, to cooking a meal. Some of these activities might be linked with their history topic. They only have to choose TWO activities for each half term, so please do help them with their creations. We want them to be talking to you, and working together with family members. The more you get involved, the more the children will be enthused by the task, and the prouder they will be of their work and achievements! We have received some incredible pieces to far, including 3D models of ships, temples, stone age caves and even whole painted coastlines – as well as lots of kitchen recipes and dishes. Keep the creative homework going!