History
The study of History at Garfield, begins in the Early Years as children begin exploring, investigating and understanding the world around them. This continues developing each year through to Year 6.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, the children begin making sense of the past by recognising their own life-story and family history. Children are encouraged to think about their own timeline, explore old and new and understand change. The children also compare and contrast characters from stories, including figures from the past. At Garfield, History is introduced through everyday activities, special weeks and first- hand experiences where new and familiar vocabulary are taught.
In Key Stage 1, teachers have designed creative, detailed planning which inspires learning and develops historical skills, knowledge and understanding of the past and the wider world.Pupils develop an awareness of the past and are taught to use vocabulary relating to the passing of time. They identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods and are encouraged to ask and answer questions, as well as choose and use a variety of sources to enrich their learning. For example, in Year 1 the children are taught about events beyond living memory by learning about the Great Fire of London. In Year 2, the children learn about and compare and contrast the lives of significant individuals such as Mary Seacole and Florence Nightingale. At Garfield, we exceed the requirements of the National Curriculum as we develop and repeat key concepts and build on vocabulary and understanding.
In Key Stage 2, we follow the Haringey Education Partnership (HEP) curriculum. This curriculum provides knowledge-rich and in depth planning, resources and studies of a range of ancient and early civilisations. For example, in Year 3, pupils learn about Ancient Egypt and in Year 4, pupils learn about the Roman Empire. In Year 5 and 6, pupils learn about early civilisations in the Americas. Each unit includes attractive, illustrated booklets, vocabulary lists and PowerPoint presentations which supports the teaching and learning of each lesson.
As with all subjects in the curriculum, the History curriculum builds the wide and secure vocabulary acquisition that underpins literacy. At Garfield, our History learning also feeds into our English planning as we describe, recount, report and explain events and people of the past. We also encourage our love for reading as the Haringey Education Partnership (HEP) curriculum provides informative pupil reading booklets which are used to support and deepen knowledge and understanding.
At Garfield, History is taught to a high standard by our dedicated, talented teachers and when needed, is differentiated to meet the needs of all pupils.
Here are some examples of the HEP booklets and vocabulary lists:
Here is our History curriculum map 2022 – 2023: