History

Subject Leaders: Mrs Nicholls

Contact email: pennowethlowerks2@croftymat.org

Our history curriculum intent

‘The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.’

— Theodore Roosevelt —

At Pennoweth, we believe that developing children’s enquiring and inquisitive minds to help them gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world is paramount. Our coherent and engaging curriculum is structured to ensure that current learning is linked to previous knowledge, skills and vocabulary acquisition and offers children a deep insight into the past. Children are encouraged and provoked to ask perceptive questions, think critically, examine evidence, consider arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. Our curriculum provides an insight into the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between various groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges they face themselves. In short, we aim to develop children’s curiosity to become keen historians.

DNA

At Pennoweth, our school culture supports a rich and engaging history curriculum that fosters cultural awareness, moral understanding and a sense of safety and belonging, which makes them feel loved. Through immersive, cross-curricular projects, pupils explore how societies have changed over time, gaining insight into the past and its impact on the present. Using diverse resources such as artefacts, stories and digital content, children take ownership of their learning while developing key skills in communication, critical thinking and analysis. History at Pennoweth broadens horizons, challenges assumptions and prepares pupils to be curious, responsible and informed citizens, ready to understand and shape the future.

What will my child experience through history at Pennoweth?
EYFS
In EYFS, children learn about history through play-based activities, storytelling and hands-on experiences that help them understand the concept of the past. They explore personal and family history, learn key time-related vocabulary and compare life “then and now” using old photos, artefacts and stories. Through role play, themed areas and celebrations of historical events and people, children begin to grasp how the world has changed over time.
KS1 and KS2
From Year 1 to Year 6, history is taught through a project-based approach over a two-year cycle to allow for depth of learning. Key knowledge, skills, and vocabulary are carefully mapped to ensure progression across the school. Teachers assess pupils’ starting points and plan inclusive, developmental lessons that support and challenge all learners. Cross-curricular links, especially with English, are built into each unit, including class texts that align with historical themes. Where possible, local history relevant to Pennoweth, its community, and Cornwall is integrated to enrich learning.

What history skills and knowledge will my child learn at Pennoweth?
History –  Skills Progression
History – Knowledge Progression
What sort of historical language will my child learn at Pennoweth?
History – Vocabulary Progression
What do children think about history at Pennoweth?

 

 

Useful history websites and links
A range of resources to help your child take a trip through time.
Enter ancient worlds, meet famous people and discover fascinating facts by exploring a wide selection of historical games and activities.