Our Vision for History at Cranford Park CE Primary School
“We are not makers of History, we are made by History.”
Martin Luther King Jr
At Cranford Park CE Primary School History is active. Children are ‘detectives’ looking for clues and evidence to find out about their past and how we have come to be as we are now. Over time, children develop a love of History, a natural curiosity about their heritage and an understanding of how life came to be as it is today.
In lessons, teachers use a range of resources to bring learning to life, including audio and video clips, images, first and second-hand accounts and artefacts, A range of practical experiences including history days, workshops, visitors and school trips immerse children in their studies and bring learning to life.
Children study a rich, diverse curriculum which enables them to understand how key decisions and significant individuals affected history and continue to shape the world in which we live. They explore key questions, identifying and building on previous knowledge to make connections to their new learning and working towards ‘end points.’ Children use a wide range of historical vocabulary when discussing their knowledge and understanding and debating controversial issues. They are encouraged to think deeply about the past, expressing their personal opinions and viewpoints and reflecting on lessons to be learned from the past. They are encouraged to ask their own questions and explore their own avenues of research, making deductions to find the answers to historical enquiry. They use effective analytical and presentational techniques to draw conclusions and can apply their learning in other curriculum areas. Children with a particular interest or talent are given opportunities to investigate a wider range of topics outside of our History curriculum through extra-curricular clubs, or our ‘university’ faculties.
In order to help our children to become well-rounded citizens, fundamental British values are woven through our History curriculum along with Christian values and other opportunities for SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural) development. As part of their studies, children will have the opportunity to debate the ‘rights and wrongs’ of history, to explore the impact of significant people and events and to form their own opinions. Ever mindful of our vision, we are keen to celebrate all those throughout history who have ‘let their light shine’ in the hope that we may encourage our pupils’ aspirations to do the same.
