Houghton School, Main Street, Houghton on the Hill, LE7 9GD

0116 2412 465

office@houghton.leics.sch.uk

Houghton on the Hill C of E Primary School

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12

History

Our History curriculum closely matches the aims and purpose from the National Curriculum. However, following discussion and reflection, our school has agreed the following vision for our History Curriculum Offer:

  • To give pupils a deep understanding of how people’s lives have changed and shaped the world we live in today;
  • To understand how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world;
  • To make links between the stories of other cultures in the wider world, especially those for whom there is a local, cultural relevance;
  • To teach in depth studies of coherent, chronological, connected steps of learning;
  • To foster a questioning curiosity in pupils about the world around them.

During their time at Houghton Primary School, pupils will meet a number of recurring themes:

  • Chronology                                      
  • Monarchy
  • Civilization                                       
  • Communication                                
  • Growth of Religion
  • Parliament/Democracy                  
  • Art & Culture                                
  • Migration                                         
  • Trade and Industry                            
  • Conflict
  • Etymology                                         
  • The Role of Women                    
  • Local Connections                          
  • Homes & Transport

In this way, pupils begin to make connections between different areas of study, and can compare and contrast periods of history.

The history curriculum is enriched through a planned series of visits, visitors and performances throughout the year, including:

  • A visit from Matthew Peat, local archaeologist, to support learning about Roman Britain and Richard III
  • A visit from one of governors who was a WWII evacuee
  • A visit to Bosworth Battlefield
  • A visit to Rockingham Castle
  • Mrs Tiggywinkle's Wash Day 

Each history unit is planned around one key line of enquiry, allowing pupils to explore one of more of the key themes, and linking to local contexts wherever possible.

Pupils develop a deep learning about one or more aspect of the following historical contexts:

  • Year One: Now & Then; Victorian Houghton (homes and transport, local connections)
  • Year Two: Florence Nightingale (conflict, the role of women); The Battle of Hastings (conflict, monarchy); The Great Fire of London (monarchy, migration)
  • Year Three: The Stone Age 

    (civilization, migration, communication); Richard III (monarchy, conflict, local connections)

  • Year Four: Roman Britain (Trade, Migration, Communication, Art & Culture, Growth of Religion, Conflict); Ancient Egypt (Civilization, Monarchy, Growth of Religion, Trade & Industry)
  • Year Five: Vikings & Anglo Saxons (Civilization, Migration, Art & Culture, Growth of Religion); Ancient Greeks (Civilization, Democracy, Etymology, Art & Culture, Communication)
  • Year Six: Ancient Islamic Civilization (Civilization, Migration, Trade, Democracy, Conflict, Growth of Religion, Arts & Culture); World War II & Anne Frank (Democracy & Parliament, Conflict, Role of Women, Local Connections)