Learning for life, striving for excellence!

Confidence             Courtesy             Responsibility            Adventure

Resourcefulness – Children are taught to be resourceful and given plenty of opportunities to put this into practice. They use timelines, current events and friends and family to help.

Reflectiveness – Children are encouraged to reflect on their learning and be aware of their strengths and areas for development.

Research – Children have opportunities to explore history through tangible artefacts, online resources and school visits when possible.

History Overview

At Meridian, history comes alive. Children gain knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world by engaging in stimulating experiences. We believe that children need to develop a basic historical chronology on which they hang events as they learn about them. Children compare historical periods, noting similarities and differences. We believe history lessons should inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. We equip pupils to ask perceptive questions and think critically.

Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and is taught through a mix of cross- curricular and discrete topics.

Early Years Foundation Stage

Our Reception children have opportunities to explore past and present events in their own lives and in the lives of family members.

Key Stage 1

In KS1, history is taught through exciting topics such as 'The Great Fire of London', ‘First Flights' and ‘Communication’. Children engage in practical, creative, hands on activities and learn through role play and drama.

Key Stage 2

In KS2, skills and knowledge are developed through stimulating topics such as ‘Ancient Egypt’, 'The Stone Age', ‘Anglo Saxons versus Vikings' and ‘The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China'. Children learn about the history of our local area (Comberton and Cambridgeshire), Britain and the wider world.

We have a clear outline of how skills should progress year on year. Research plays an important role in our learning here. Children are able to develop skills using a range of primary and secondary sources including artefacts, pictures, books and the internet.

Curriculum Enrichment

History learning is frequently enhanced by exciting experiences such as trips, visitors to the school and through drama activities. We benefit greatly from being so close to the wealth of museums and activities in Cambridge.

Assessment

Historical knowledge and skills are assessed termly.