Our History curriculum is designed to help children build knowledge progressively, enabling them to recall prior learning with ease. The focus is on developing a deep understanding of historical events and contexts, rather than simply memorizing facts. Lessons are based on objectives from Target Tracker, which teachers use to structure meaningful and engaging lessons. Students' work is captured in collaborative books where they can record individually or as part of a group, and their learning is assessed against the curriculum statements.
The curriculum has a strong local focus, helping pupils understand the history of Eccles, Salford, and the surrounding areas. Children will learn about the region’s pivotal role in Britain’s industrialization and how local developments during the Industrial Revolution contributed to nationwide changes and the expansion of the British Empire.
In addition to local history, our curriculum offers opportunities for students to explore global cultural diversity throughout human history. We emphasize knowledge and skills that can be applied across the curriculum, supporting students' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
At the beginning of each historical period studied, students create a timeline of key events, which helps them place new learning in the context of previous and adjacent historical periods. This approach ensures that children develop a broad understanding of history’s "big picture."
Literacy is a priority at Barton Moss, and we integrate reading opportunities into every History lesson. Our literacy spine is woven into the History curriculum, with texts selected to complement the historical periods being studied. Initiatives like "Non-Fiction Fridays" and VIPERS further support reading comprehension and retention of historical knowledge. Shared activities are also embedded, allowing pupils to develop their spoken language skills and expand their vocabulary in a supportive setting.
Class teachers plan and sequence lessons that allow students to build sufficient knowledge and skills for future learning, ensuring they can know and remember more about history. Objectives are drawn from the subject overview and informed by Target Tracker. Teachers provide opportunities for pupils to understand life during different historical periods, encouraging them to think critically and analytically, to research, and to question the reliability of historical sources.
Key goals include:
- Ensuring that pupils’ outcomes are consistently good, with at least 50% demonstrating outstanding engagement and knowledge retention.
- Monitoring books to ensure that the curriculum’s theory and intent are being implemented as planned by the subject leader.
- Tracking assessment stages throughout each term (star sheets, reading, progress maps) to ensure children are progressing in their historical understanding.
End-of-phase expectations:
- By the end of EYFS, at least 75% of students will achieve the History objectives under "Understanding the World."
- By the end of Year 1/2, at least 65% of students will meet age-related expectations, with 10% exceeding them.
- By the end of Year 3/4, at least 70% of students will meet age-related expectations, with 10% exceeding them.
- By the end of Year 5/6, at least 75% of students will meet age-related expectations, with 15% exceeding them.