History
Our Goal Passion for Learning...
At Bentley St Paul's, we want our all our children to have a passion for learning where they gain life – long learning skills; a sense of adventure; the ability to enquire and make emotional connections.
Our Christian Values
Friendship, Forgiveness, Trust, Peace, Wisdom, Responsibility, Respect and Reverence underpin all that we do and are the foundations of our drivers.
Aspirational Learners | 
Global Citizens | 
Respectful Communicators | 
Resilient Individuals |
Our Tools
Mastering Key
Skills | Gaining Knowledge | Engaging in
Experiences | Summoning
Creativity | Learning from
Inspirations |
History - What we want the children to know:
At Bentley St Paul’s, we aim to inspire a passion for history among our pupils, fostering an appreciation for the past and its impact on the present and future. Our history curriculum is designed to cultivate critical thinking, encourage empathy, and promote a sense of identity and belonging within a diverse and changing society. The intent of our history programme is to:
- Promote Engagement: Spark curiosity through rich and varied historical resources that engage pupils and encourage independent research.
- Foster Understanding: Develop a robust understanding of local, national, and global histories, enabling pupils to make connections across time and place.
- Cultivate Skills: Equip pupils with essential historical skills, including enquiry, interpretation, and communication, fostering abilities that are transferable to other subjects and life experiences.
- Nurture Values: Instil a sense of moral integrity through discussions of historical events, enhancing pupils' understanding of justice, equality, and cultural diversity.
- Reflect Christian Values: Integrate the teaching of history with the values of the Church of England, promoting compassion, community, and respect for all individuals.
History - How we teach:
Our history curriculum is implemented through Cornerstones - a carefully planned framework that aligns with the National Curriculum while reflecting our school's unique ethos and community context. We also ensure that we have a wealth of enrichment activities through use of artefacts, visitors, themed days and school trips. Key aspects of our implementation include:
- Curriculum Design: The history curriculum is structured around a sequence of progressive themes and chronological understanding, ensuring coherence and depth. Lessons are carefully crafted to build upon prior knowledge, with clear learning objectives focused on conceptual understanding and skill development.
- Enrichment Activities: We incorporate hands-on learning experiences, such as visits to local historical sites, workshops with historians, and projects that involve the community. These activities bring history to life and make learning relevant.
- Cross-Curricular Links: History lessons are interwoven with other subject areas, such as art, literature, and geography, providing a holistic view of historical concepts. This integrated approach enhances understanding and retention.
- Diverse Resources: We utilise a range of resources, including primary sources, artefacts, and digital platforms, to develop a rich tapestry of learning. Pupils are encouraged to engage with a variety of viewpoints and interpretations to foster critical thinking.
- Inclusive Teaching: Our history teaching is rooted in inclusivity, celebrating diverse narratives that reflect the multicultural aspect of British society. We ensure that all pupils, regardless of background, can see themselves represented in the history curriculum.
- Assessment and Feedback: Regular formative assessments are employed to monitor progress and understanding, with constructive feedback provided to help pupils improve. We use peer assessments and self-reflections to encourage ownership of learning.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follows the ‘Development Matters in the EYFS’ guidance which aims for all children in Foundation Stage to have an ‘Understanding of the World; people and communities, the world and technology’ by the end of the academic year. History - Impact: The impact of our history provision at Bentley St Paul’s is evidenced through: - Enhanced Understanding: Pupils demonstrate a strong understanding of historical concepts and events, as reflected in their ability to discuss, analyse, and draw connections between different historical periods and contexts.
- Engagement and Enthusiasm: There is a notable enthusiasm for history, evidenced by high levels of participation in lessons, willingness to partake in extracurricular activities, and positive feedback from pupils about their learning experiences.
- Critical Thinking Skills: Pupils have shown improved critical thinking skills, evident in their ability to evaluate sources, form reasoned arguments, and engage in discussions about past events and their relevance today.
- Cultural Awareness: Through our inclusive approach, pupils exhibit respect and understanding of different cultures and perspectives, contributing to a cohesive school community where diversity is celebrated.
- Community Involvement: Feedback from parents and the wider community reflects a positive perception of our history curriculum as a means of building partnerships and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Alignment with Christian Values: Our history curriculum reinforces the school's Christian values, promoting a deeper understanding of compassion, ethics, and community, as pupils reflect on historical events and their implications on contemporary society.
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