History Intent Statement and Progression Map

History Intent Statement

At Hipsburn Primary we believe that the study of History is essential to pupils’ understanding of the world. The importance of history is that it enables us to understand why we live the way we do and how we have evolved and developed as a species or nation. We believe that providing a comprehensive History curriculum allows pupils to learn from the mistakes of our ancestors and celebrate their successes, so that we may continue to evolve and progress.

We are passionate about our children being: curious about the past, gaining a secure knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world, becoming critical thinkers and understanding the process of change. Our history curriculum teaches our children to appreciate the diversity of societies and to understand their own identity.

These skills are embedded within history lessons and developed throughout their journey of the history curriculum through deeper learning. By the end of their primary education, our children will have a chronological understanding of British history from Stone Age to present day. They will be able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives through their understanding of world history such as the ancient civilisations of Greece. We will use our local area as a focus for learning about local history including The Aln Estuary, Viking invasions, Grace Darling’s resilience and Northumbrian castles.

We strive to create a supportive and collaborative ethos for learning by providing investigative learning opportunities. Emphasis is beginning to be placed on analytical thinking which helps children gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world.

 Our topic based approach allows for cross curricular links to be made and ensures opportunities for children to apply and develop key skills. Strong links are made between English lessons and the history curriculum enable further contextual learning through non-fiction writing.

At Hipsburn Primary we aim to deliver a History curriculum which provides opportunities for children to:

  • Be inspired and curious to know about the past.
  • Equip pupils to ask perceptive questions.
  • To think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments and develop perspective and judgments.
  • Understand the complexity of peoples’ lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies, the relationships between different groups and the challenges of their time.

 At Hipsburn Primary children have the opportunity to work with a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including artefacts and historians; over the past few years we have worked closely with Bailiffgate museum. Children have regular opportunities to participate in learning experiences outside of school and access to a range of media and books to undertake research.