Our History Curriculum Vision

Intent: Delving into Historical Depths

At Drybrook Primary School, we see history as a portal to understanding the complexities of our present and future. Our history curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to empower pupils with a robust understanding of the past, guiding them from the 1600s right through to modern times. We're dedicated to nurturing a deep and descriptive appreciation of history, illuminating the lives and legacies of those who have shaped our society.

We aspire to provide our pupils with rich insights into historical cultures, particularly recognising that our local area's social fabric may not reflect the wider cultural and ethnic diversity of the country. Our curriculum is therefore tailored to broaden our pupils' perspectives, furnishing them with knowledge of contrasting cultures, societies, and seminal figures from history.

Through carefully sequenced learning experiences, our pupils will grapple with the thoughts and motivations of historical figures, question and debate to enhance their writing and oracy skills, and establish a solid grasp of chronology and the transformative nature of historical events.

Our students are encouraged to step beyond their immediate experiences in the Forest of Dean, gaining a global understanding of their place in a world shaped by a succession of pivotal events and movements.

Implementation: A Coherent Journey Through the Ages

We deliver a history curriculum that progresses in skill and understanding throughout the school. History is taught bi-weekly as part of a broader half-termly or termly topic anchored in the knowledge and skills laid out in the National Curriculum. Each lesson commences with an exploration of prior knowledge, setting the stage for new learning and enabling pupils to situate historical events in a broader societal and chronological context.

Explicit modelling of subject-specific vocabulary, knowledge, and skills by staff ensures that pupils can assimilate new information into overarching historical concepts, allowing for a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Impact: Shaping Informed Young Historians

The success of our history curriculum is measured by our pupils' ability to articulate their understanding of history's unfolding narrative. They learn to evaluate historical events with an objective lens, identifying continuities and changes across time and cultures. Our pupils leave Drybrook Primary as informed young historians, equipped with the knowledge and skills to appreciate the diverse tapestry of human history and its relevance to their lives today.

At Drybrook Primary, history is not just about the past; it's about understanding the legacy of our shared human journey and using that understanding to forge a thoughtful path forward.