Our Approach

Our history curriculum approach focusses on three themes in KS1 which build upon the learning in the EYFS.

EYFS Themes are: 

• My Life
• Special People 
• Special Events

This learning is further developed in KS1 with the addition of a key historial theme - Monarchy. 

KS1 themes are:

• Monarchy
• Special People
• Special Events  

We facilitate the progression of knowledge by building on what children learn in Early Years and throughout Key Stage 1. Our curriculum is designed to help children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis skills to gain a comprehensive understanding of history.  

Key vocabulary is carefully selected for each topic and developed throughout the unit. Children explore continuity and change, similarities and differences, cause and consequence, historical interpretations and the significance of key events through working on "big questions" about the past.

Each topic has a 'Big Question', which children are supported to answer in detail by the end of the unit. These questions are broken down into a series of sequential parts for children to explore and consider. By the end of each unit, children will have acquired the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding, to revisit the 'Big Question' and answer it effectively.

Our engaging and accessible curriculum is intended to instil a lifelong love of learning and a deep appreciation of the importance of history. 

Teaching Tools: 

What makes teaching History so exciting? 

• Interviewing people within our families and the wider community to gain first-hand accounts of past events
• External visitors, such as our annual 'Back in Time' day
• Exploring artefacts to experience the past in an exciting and tangible way, including books, photographs, household items, old technology (such as phones) or replica fossils 
• Solving problems and answering inspiring questions by becoming historians
• Role-play and drama opportunities which enable children to immerse themselves in their learning by 'walking into the past'
• High-quality, engaging texts
• Use of timelines to develop understanding of chronology. 

Above and Beyond 

Every year group has a range of activities designed to enrich their learning experiences.  

Examples include links with the local elderly people's homes, exploring diversity through historical events in other countries and reflecting on changes in their own local area. Children also visit and explore local history through trips such as Volk's railway. Amberley Museum and The Bluebell railway. 

As a school, we celebrate and reflect on all things British, including marking royal events, learning about democracy through our school council and class votes, and talking to different generations about how their lives differ from our own, to gain insight into how our country has changed and developed.   

Supporting all Children

At Hassocks, we believe our History curriculum meets the needs of all pupils. All children take part in hands-on, engaging activities that make learning tangible and meaningful. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, ensuring that every child can achieve and have opportunities to share their understanding with others.

Learning is adapted in a variety of ways to support all pupils. Teaching staff use the West Sussex OAIP, which outlines practical strategies and adjustments to meet individual needs, helping every child succeed and feel proud of their learning journey.

Assessment

We use observational assessment to capture pupils’ individual responses, reflecting their historical understanding and ability to use subject-specific vocabulary effectively. Observations take place throughout the day, through talk and play, both indoors and outdoors.

Children’s learning journeys are tracked through Tapestry or in their History books. These are used to guide our ‘Remind Me’ conversations, where children reflect on their learning and make links across topics.

Pupils’ books show the process of answering the ‘Big Questions’ and are also used to support ‘Remind Me’ discussions. Pupils’ achievements and efforts are celebrated within the classroom and beyond, through assemblies, celebration events, displays and more.

Diversity

Our History curriculum has been carefully designed to include a wide range of individuals from the past who represent different backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Children are encouraged to discuss how life may not always have been fair for different groups of people and to consider how this has shaped the world we live in today. Learning about a diverse past helps our children to understand fairness, respect and equality, and supports them in creating a positive and inclusive present.