History at Bolsover
'Learning from the past, to develop our future'
History - To learn from the past
Subject Intent
In the heart of a well-known historical community, the children at Bolsover are able to access the knowledge and chronological understanding of both local and national History and relate this to their everyday lives. At Bolsover, we aim to embrace the history of our local past, significant British events and those of the wider world.
By using thematic topic areas, History is portrayed both inside and outside the classroom through meaningful pupil-inspired activities. Our aspirations are to embrace our pupils' historic knowledge of their local surroundings to progress their understanding of the world they live in. Pupils appreciate the history that is on their doorstep, as well as that outside Bolsover.
Children can reinforce their skills from most other subject areas alongside History itself - for example; creating timelines and highlighting connections, determining family trees and looking at traditional arts. Educational visits to places such as Creswell Crags, Hardwick Hall and their very own Bolsover Castle increases the pupils' motivation and drive to succeed in their learning. Pupils will be inspired to think critically, ask perceptive questions and research sufficient evidence to further their understanding of our historical past. We promote pupils' SMSC development through History by promoting an understanding and appreciation of the wide range of cultural influences that have shaped their heritage and that of others. Our History curriculum develops pupils' understanding of chronology, investigate and interpret past events as well as communicate historically.
Subject Co-ordinator
The subject co-ordinator for History in school is Miss Billie Ratcliffe, who can be contacted on 01246 822324, or via our school email at info@bolsover-jun.derbyshire.sch.uk. Our nominated governor for history is Mr David Fish who can be contacted via the same contacts above.
The National Curriculum Aims
The National Curriculum for History aims to ensure that all pupils:
- know and understand the history of these islands as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day: how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world
- know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: the nature of ancient civilisations; the expansion and dissolution of empires; characteristic features of past non-European societies; achievements and follies of mankind
- gain and deploy a historically grounded understanding of abstract terms such as ‘empire’, ‘civilisation’, ‘parliament’ and ‘peasantry’
- understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends, frame historically valid questions and create their own structured accounts, including written narratives and analyses
- understand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used rigorously to make historical claims, and discern how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed
- gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts: understanding the connections between local, regional, national and international history; between cultural, economic, military, political, religious and social history; and between short- and long-term timescales
Subject Policies and Guidance
Subject Overview
Progression of skills
What do the progression in skills for History look like?
Assessment in History
Assessment of pupil progress in History aims to assist pupils in understanding their own progress, aid teachers with their planning, as well as informing the school’s monitoring of progression and attainment. Therefore, children should assess their work in accordance with the school’s policy for self-assessment as they would do for any other written work. Teachers should ensure that children strive to meet the skills, whilst also building up their knowledge and understanding of History. Teachers should ensure that all learning is marked and toolkits have been completed.
The assessments made throughout the academic year are recorded and used to inform the end of year reports to parents/guardians. The co-ordinator, with support from the wider management team, will also carry out annual History drop ins, work scrutinise, evaluations of lesson planning, conducting pupil interviews, discussions with pupils, staff and parents as well as carrying out formal lesson observations. Book scrutinise will now be taking place every half term.
Careers in History
Careers in History continue to grow and many resources that we use to help in work will be developing historical skills such as researching. Our pupils will enter employment that is dominated by historical research and the ability to empathise with key historical figures such as King Henry VIII.
The teaching and learning of History supports careers, such as:
- Teacher
- Journalist
- Solicitor
- Librarian
- Archaeologist
- Historian
- Museologist
Useful links and websites for History
Gallery - Evidence In School