History
"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." Marcus Garvey
History Team: Mrs L Anderton, Miss E Sefton, Miss J Murphy, Mr L O'Toole
Our Purpose:
At Rack House Primary School, our history curriculum provides pupils with a coherent, chronological understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. It is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage critical thinking and help children develop a sense of identity through the study of the people, places and events that have shaped our world.
We believe that learning about history should equip pupils with the knowledge and skills to ask thoughtful questions, examine evidence and develop informed perspectives. Through engaging and carefully sequenced units, children explore themes such as civilisation, power, conflict, society and change across a range of historical periods and cultures.
Our curriculum enables pupils to understand the complexity of people's lives, the process of change over time and the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups. It encourages children to reflect on how the past influences the present and their place within it, both locally and globally. Children are taught to think critically, weigh evidence and consider multiple viewpoints, helping them build a balanced and respectful understanding of the world around them.
Through local studies — including Manchester’s industrial past and the impact of war on our city — as well as global civilisations such as the Maya, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, pupils develop a broad and balanced view of history that reflects both their community and the wider world. Pupils at Rack House are supported to see themselves as historians: curious, analytical and ready to question the world.
History at Rack House aims to provide not just knowledge of the past, but the skills and insight to understand the present and shape the future.
National Curriculum link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-history-programmes-of-study
Our Curriculum Overview:
History Long Term Plan
How we teach History:
At Rack House, our history curriculum is carefully sequenced to build secure knowledge and understanding of the past. Key concepts such as chronology, cause and consequence, similarity and difference and historical significance are revisited and deepened through a range of engaging units.
Each unit is shaped by an enquiry question, encouraging pupils to think critically, examine evidence and form reasoned conclusions. Lessons are designed to build on prior learning and develop pupils’ understanding of how history is interpreted and constructed.
Pupils explore local, national and global history, with meaningful links to Manchester’s heritage. Chronological understanding is strengthened through timelines and thematic links across time periods. Pupils regularly revisit and apply key concepts such as civilisation, democracy, power and empire. A range of historical sources are used to develop analysis, discussion and curiosity.
We enrich the curriculum with visits, workshops and creative opportunities for children to present their learning. Assessment is ongoing, focusing on how well pupils remember and apply historical knowledge and skills over time.
The results of our approach:
By the time they leave us, pupils will:
- Understand significant events and periods in British and world history
- Use subject-specific vocabulary with accuracy and confidence
- Recognise how historical knowledge is constructed and interpreted
- Reflect on the causes and consequences of past actions
- Make connections across time and place to understand continuity and change
The impact of our history curriculum is evidenced through:
- Pupil Engagement: High levels of enthusiasm for history are demonstrated through active participation in lessons, evidenced by pupil feedback, work samples and engagement during school history days and events.
- Critical Thinking Skills: Pupils are able to demonstrate skills in critical thinking and analysis. They are confident in discussing historical evidence and articulating their views, showing an understanding of the importance of context.
- Academic Achievement: Pupils make exceptional progress in their historical knowledge and skills as evidenced by assessments and internal tracking systems. Attainment in history reflects the high standards expected at Rack House.
- Cultural Awareness: Pupils demonstrate a well-rounded appreciation for diversity, having explored multiple perspectives within history. They articulate their understanding of, and respect for, various cultures and histories.
Progression of SKills Documents:
Useful Links:
- BBC Bitesize – History
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/topics/c3g2e1v85ndt
A well-structured resource for KS1 and KS2 that includes engaging videos and photographs to help children learn about the past.
- National Geographic Kids – History Primary Resources
https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/teacher-category/history/
Full of videos, artifacts, facts and games linked to the primary history curriculum.
- History for Kids
https://www.historyforkids.net/
A great website with lots of additional information about primary history topics that will be covered in school as well as extra facts for those who are curious to learn more.
- Ducksters – History for Kids
https://www.ducksters.com/history/
Loads of additional facts and information about the past for anyone who wants to find out more about their history topics from school.
- Mysteries in Time
https://mysteriesintime.com/world-history-for-kids/
Useful website which has interesting timelines, facts and photographs about the past.