The National Curriculum ensures that all are prepared for a rich and varied journey through History: 

Intent: 

At Mill Hill Primary School we believe that history is an essential part of the curriculum; a subject that not only stands alone, but is also woven into all areas of learning. History has had an impact on the lives and experiences of everyone today. We live in a society shaped by significant events and people of the past. It is important for children to understand cultural, national and international history as a way of creating a shared identity. We aim to equip our children to use critical thinking and creativity to understand the way that the world is always changing.

At Mill Hill Primary School, our history provision develops a passion for history and an enthusiastic engagement in learning across the year groups. We provide a high quality history curriculum which aims to inspire in pupils a curiosity and fascination about Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Our pupils will explore the past, developing their own historical curiosity and understanding of why the past can be interpreted in different ways. They will enjoy learning about a range of periods from history, gaining an understanding of a variety of historical concepts and processes. They will learn to challenge their own and other’s views and preconceptions through appropriate and accurate historical enquiry; using a range of sources including quality teaching, hands on resources, trips, visits, visitors and themed days. Our teaching equips pupils with knowledge about the history of Britain and how it has influenced and been influenced by the wider world, knowledge and understanding about significant aspects of the history of the wider world like ancient civilisations and empires, changes in living memory and beyond living memory, information about the lives of significant people of the past, understanding the methods of historical enquiry and be able to ask and answer questions. Our curriculum will encourage children to explore topics and themes through methods such as thoughtful discussion, questioning and analysis. As a result of this, Mill Hill's pupils will leave with the skills to understand the complexity of people’s lives and identify themes and patterns through history as well as linking these to the challenges of their time.

Implementation:

 At Mill Hill Primary school we teach History using Hampshire's six step enquiry. 

Step 1: Teacher motivates pupils to want to learn and scopes the enquiry:

This includes whetting their appetite in various ways for example hooking them in, setting a puzzle or laying down a challenge

Step 2: Children collect information in interesting and varied ways

For example, from picture or text sources, artefacts, interviews or visits

Step 3: Children make sense of ideas and process the information

For example, by filling in grids, sequencing cards or pictures, sorting, grouping, rejecting/retaining

Step 4: Children draw their own conclusions, making their own meaning

For example, pupils demonstrate understanding, they advance reasons, perhaps linking and prioritising them, they begin to recognise what is significant, they shape their ideas

Step 5: Their understanding is checked, developed or refined

By testing understanding, introducing new ideas, materials, perspectives 

Step 6: Pupils create their final, imaginative product

Where pupils will demonstrate their understanding in imaginative ways (written/ pictorial/ verbal)

Impact 

Children at Mill Hill Primary School will be able to understand historical concepts and vocabulary and have an understanding of the events and people that have shaped the world that we live in today. They will have developed skills such as problem solving, asking and answering questions and developing a sense of intrigue. The children will be well equipped with the historical skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and for life as an adult in the wider world.