Why is History important?

Our History curriculum at Whitestone Infant School will stimulate children's interest, understanding and curiosity about the lives of people who lived in the past, and inspire them to gain a developing knowledge and understanding of Britain's past and that of the wider world. It will give them a sense of chronology and through this, a cultural understanding based on their historical heritage.

History in the Early Years 

Through understanding the world, children are introduced to their immediate history and that of themselves and their family. They may look at pictures, photographs, videos, objects or artefacts from their own past or that of recent history. They will learn through experiences that introduce the concept of time and change. The History curriculum is often interwoven into our topics or themes. Children develop an understanding of Britain's past and British values and that of the wider world. As our pupils progress, learning, understanding and using historical vocabulary will become an important part of our History teaching. 

History in Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2)

Pupils should develop awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time. They should know where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework, and identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods. They should use a wide vocabulary of everyday historical terms. They should ask and answer questions, choosing and using parts of stories and other sources to show that they know and understand key features of events. They should understand some of the ways in which we find out about the past and identify different ways in which it is represented.