History

The history curriculum at Rockcliffe CE School makes full use of resources within our local area enabling children to develop a deep understanding of the history of their locality. Topics are informed by the national curriculum and are sensitive to children’s interests, as well as the context of the local area.

The history curriculum is planned and structured to ensure that current learning is linked to prior learning. 

Our curriculum aims for all pupils to:

• Gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world which helps to stimulate pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past.
• Ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.
• Begin to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.

History is taught in blocks throughout the year, so that children achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. By the end of year 6, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this are studies of world history, such as the ancient civilisations of Greece and the Egyptians.

Planning is informed by and aligned with the national curriculum. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follows the ‘Development Matters in the EYFS’ guidance which aims for all children in Foundation Stage to have an ‘Understanding of the World; people and communities, the world and technology’ by the end of the academic year.

History outcomes can be found in topic and literacy books, evidencing both a broad and balanced curriculum and demonstrating children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge.  Often outcomes will also be shared as displays in classrooms.

Year two/three have made a great start exploring The Romans, they have acted out the Roman invasion in Britain and explored how they used formations to defend themsleves.

They showed off their fantastic acting skills acting out Boudicca's rebellion. 

Year five have been looking at vases and making deductions about the way the Ancient Greeks lived in different City States based on what they can see. Using enquiry and sources just like real historians to learn about the past. 

Year 4 had a fantastic time at Tullie House as they took part in an Ancient Egyyptian Workshop.  

It is such a wonderful resource to bring History to life.  The children were amazed to see artefacts that were thousands of years old!

Year 6 have been busy this week with an enthralling visit from the Archive Centre. The children were able to look at and work with documents of our local area, specifically looking at how industrialisation looked in Carlisle. The children were fascinated to see what was still similar today and what had changed significantly. 

This half term we pay respects to those who have fought to keep us all safe and remember the reason for wearing a poppy. We have all celebrated and commemorated the event in our own way and have had a fabulous display in school.