Our Philosophy:
At Brighton Avenue Primary School, we strive to stimulate the children’s interest and understanding about how events in the past have influenced our lives today and subsequently, how they will affect the future. We believe that history should fire children’s curiosity about the past so they ask perceptive questions and learn how to think critically. We make full use of the local area’s rich history and believe it is important that the children develop a deep understanding of the history of their locality. Each term, the children shall carryout an in-depth study of a significant time period in history. During these sequences of lessons, we shall develop their ability to scrutinise evidence and decide which version of events are credible. We hope they will be inspired by the amazing citizens, cultures and societies who have helped shape and advance our nation and the wider world; and to also learn from the mistakes and injustices that have occurred throughout time. By the end of the children’s historical journey, we believe that they shall have an understanding of their own identify and a sense of belonging which only history can provide.
Our Aims:
The principles of teaching History at Brighton Avenue Primary School are consistent with our school philosophy and take into account the National Curriculum Guidance for History. (See History Policy for further information).
Principles of Teaching History:
- To stimulate children's interests about the past.
- To develop an understanding of events over time and in a chronological structure.
- To give children the opportunity to discover and investigate their own questions.
- To use the 'Power of 3' ascertain prior knowledge.
- To develop a curiosity of the world around them.
- To help children develop the skills of enquiry, analysis, interpretation, questioning and problem solving.
- To help the children understand other people, their beliefs, values and experiences.
- To learn about the roles that individuals and events have played in shaping modern society.
- To ensure children have access to historical and computing equipment during history lessons.
- To ensure Teachers and children have high expectations in their achievement so children know what they need to do next to progress.
- To ensure children can use historical vocabulary correctly and in the right context.
- To ensure educational visits and visitors into school are built into our curriculum plans so our children gain real life/hands on experiences, which compliment our cultural capital provision.
- To ensure our curriculum links with others areas of the curriculum as much as possible.
- To ensure Teachers have access to quality CPD and good practise is shared within and outside of school.
What our children say about History
"I loved going to the Great North Museum to find out about the Stone Age. It was great to see artefacts from that era."
"History is important as it tells us what life was like in the past. It can also tell you why things are happening now."
"I like finding out what my mam played with when she was little like me."
"It's amazing to think that humans lived millions of years ago."
"Things were happening before I was born."
