History Curriculum Rationale

Rationale

At Martock Church of England Primary School, our history curriculum, based on the Kapow Primary scheme of work, aims to inspire pupils to be curious and creative thinkers who develop a complex knowledge of local and national history, as well as the history of the wider world. We want our pupils to develop the confidence to think critically, ask questions, and be able to explain and analyse historical evidence.

The Kapow Primary history curriculum aligns closely with the requirements of the National Curriculum, ensuring that pupils develop a chronological understanding of British history and key events and civilizations from the wider world. The scheme of work is carefully sequenced to build upon prior knowledge, allowing pupils to make connections and deepen their understanding over time.

This curriculum is particularly well-suited to the needs of our pupils at Martock Church of England Primary School. With a higher than average proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the Kapow Primary approach emphasises the development of key historical skills and concepts, rather than solely focusing on the acquisition of knowledge. This enables all pupils, regardless of their starting points, to engage with and make progress in history. The 'Big Ideas' (substantive concepts) run throughout the curriculum and allow the children to build and link their understanding over time. The 'Big Ideas' introduced in KS1 are: Power (monarchy, government and empire), Achievements and follies of mankind. In KS2, they are introduced to Invasion, settlement and migration, Civilisation (social and cultural), Trade and Beliefs.

The aspirational nature of this curriculum is evident in its focus on developing pupils' critical thinking and analysis skills. By encouraging pupils to ask questions, consider different perspectives, and evaluate historical evidence, we are equipping them with the tools to become confident, inquisitive learners. This aligns with our school's vision of giving our children and staff the chance to flourish in a nurturing environment with excellent opportunities, where everyone can experience success and make a positive difference to the world around them.

Whole School Aims

Our history curriculum is closely aligned with the school's vision and values. By fostering a sense of curiosity and respect for the past, we are supporting the development of the core values of kindness, respect, perseverance, and collaboration that underpin our school community.

The emphasis on critical thinking and analysis in the history curriculum also directly supports our school improvement priority of developing the curriculum with clarity and coherence, ensuring that we deliver the best curriculum offer that meets the needs of all children.

Subject Vision

At Martock Church of England Primary School, we believe that the study of history is essential in helping our pupils understand the world around them and their place within it. Through the Kapow Primary history curriculum, we aim to cultivate a deep appreciation for the past, while also developing the skills and knowledge necessary to engage with and interpret historical evidence.

By focusing on key historical concepts such as chronology, cause and consequence, and change and continuity, we are equipping our pupils with the tools to think critically about the past and its impact on the present. This aligns with our school's improvement priority of improving the progress, outcomes, and independence of our SEND pupils, as the Kapow Primary approach emphasises the development of these essential historical skills.

Communication with Stakeholders

To ensure the successful implementation of our history curriculum, we will engage in effective communication with all stakeholders, including parents, governors, and the wider school community.

We will share our history curriculum rationale, vision and learning through a range of channels, such as the school website, newsletters, and Class Dojo. This will help to ensure that all stakeholders understand the purpose and aims of our history curriculum, and how it supports the overall vision and values of the school.

We will also actively seek feedback from parents and carers, particularly those of our SEND and pupil premium pupils, to ensure that the curriculum is meeting the needs of all learners. This will be facilitated through regular parent-teacher meetings, as well as surveys and focus groups.

Finally, we will work closely with our governing body to ensure that they have a secure understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of our history curriculum. This will involve regular updates and discussions, as well as opportunities for governors to observe history lessons and engage with subject leaders.

Addressing Inspection Feedback

The Kapow Primary history curriculum directly addresses the key areas for improvement identified in the most recent Ofsted inspection.

Firstly, the scheme of work ensures that the school has clearly identified the specific knowledge and skills that we want pupils to learn from Reception to Year 6. This addresses the inspectors' concern that the school had not identified the small steps of knowledge within key historical concepts, such as 'settlement'. The Kapow Primary curriculum provides a well-sequenced and progressive approach to building pupils' historical understanding over time.

Secondly, the Kapow Primary scheme of work emphasises the use of effective teaching strategies and a consistent approach to curriculum delivery. This directly addresses the inspectors' feedback that the implementation of the curriculum was variable across subjects and ages, and that the school had not clarified the teaching strategies it expected.

Finally, the Kapow Primary curriculum includes a strong focus on supporting the learning of pupils with SEND. The scheme of work provides guidance on how to accurately match and scaffold learning to meet the needs of these pupils, ensuring that they can build successfully on their prior knowledge and develop the independence they need for future learning.

By implementing the Kapow Primary history curriculum, Martock Church of England Primary School is well-positioned to address the key areas for improvement identified by Ofsted, while also aligning with the school's vision, values, and improvement priorities.

Transitioning to the new curriculum

As we have adopted the Kapow Primary Curriculum mid-year, the 24-25 long term plan has been adapted to allow for topics that have already been taught this year or in previous years.

Years 1-6 will all teach the new units from the summer term onwards. Some units may be taught in different years or in a different order to allow for the change in curriculum.

Year R will continue to use their long term plan for this year but use some of the activities from the scheme to deliver their objectives. They will then use this scheme from the next academic year.