Aim of the Subject
Pupils studying History at Newcastle School for Boys focus on men, women and children in different societies, religions, cultures and countries. They examine how they developed and interacted over a period of time. Pupils should understand that History is our record of what happened and why.
Content
The syllabus, based upon National Curriculum, aims to fire pupils curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world. Pupils consider how the past influences the present, what past societies were like, how these societies organised their politics, and what beliefs and cultures influenced peoples actions. In their year groups Year 3 are taught about Ancient Greeks and Ancient Egypt. Year 4 are taught about the Romans in Britain, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, the Coming of Christianity, local history, the Saints and Lindisfarne. Year 5 are taught about Voyages of Exploration and Encounter, the Aztecs, Britain and the wider world in Tudor and Stuart times.
Methods of Assessment
At this stage, there is no formal assessment in History. However, assessment in History forms an integral part of the teaching and learning process and is a regular activity. This is done by observing pupils during study, by asking questions, talking and listening to them and by examining work produced by them. Pupils progress in history will be reported verbally to parents at parents meetings and in writing through annual reports.
Teaching Time
In Year 3 History is taught on a half-term rotation. Years 4 & 5 have one lesson a week allocated in the timetable.
Emphasis on Boys’ Learning
Boys will be taught in teaching styles and approaches that are appropriate to boys learning. Lessons will be more interactive and interpersonal in content. In History pupils find evidence, think for themselves and form their own opinions and conclusions. To do this they need to be able to research, sift through evidence and argue for their point of view – skills that are prized in adult life.
Continuity
In this syllabus pupils develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people. They see the diversity of human experience and understand more about themselves as individuals and members of society. What they learn can influence their decisions about personal choices, attitudes and values. The chronological framework is extended into the Senior School.
Planning for the Subject
Planning for the subject takes place in a chronological basis which includes levels 2 – 5 within the National Curriculum concerning knowledge, skills and understanding. The learning objectives, activities, resources and assessment are all documented. All aspects of chronological understanding, knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes in the past, historical interpretation, historical enquiry and organisation and communication are included.