In History, a Roundwood leaver will know…
…that an appreciation of history, both local and worldwide, enables them to understand the events which have shaped and influenced our world. Through this knowledge of the past, pupils learn to challenge the future and draw upon the experiences and learning of broader world cultures and periods in time to influence their opinions and evidence their thoughts.
Throughout their time at Roundwood Primary, pupils develop as historians who are able to reflect on the way both local and world History influences the present day. During their time at school the children will learn about their local history and how it has changed over time, where possible, this is done through the topics covered on the curriculum journeys. Using a variety of investigative skills, sources of information and visits to places of interest, children explore different events, people and civilisations that have shaped our world.
In Foundation Stage, children begin to understand their place in history by thinking about the changes that happen to them as they get older and how we create and save memories, allowing them to explore the concept of history. They explore the similarities and differences between family traditions and cultures. They explore the history behind the local Nicky Line.
Building on this knowledge, Key Stage 1 children explore how their experiences are influenced by past events, such as why we celebrate Bonfire Night. By the end of Key Stage 1 children will have compared the lives and achievements of different explorers and learnt about key events in British History such as the Great Fire of London. Children will also gain knowledge of important historical figures who have influenced the world of nursing as well as how everyday life at home has changed by investigating changes in the home and toys from different eras. They examine how the local Rothampsted Manor has changed it’s use over time.
In Lower Key Stage 2, children begin to study key periods of history in Britain and the wider world, developing their chronological understanding through in depth studies of the Anglo Saxons and Vikings, the Romans and Ancient Egyptians. Pupils can use the local area of St Albans for part of this exploration. Pupils also study the Victorians and explore how the changes made during this period still influence their lives today.
In Upper Key Stage 2, the children begin to extend their knowledge of world history by developing their research skills to learn about the discovery of the Mayan civilisation of South America, and how evidence was gathered and interpreted. Through a study of Ancient Greece, pupils explore the conflict and differences between city-states and how battles were fought and won. Pupils learn how the Stone Age affected settlers in early civilisations and how people of this time were able to survive with limited resources. They also extend their knowledge to more recent events by studying key events of World War Two, such as The Blitz and the D Day landings, and the influence of world leaders at the time. Local history is incorporated within this topic, using Local History Society website, and local places of interest.
Pupils are given experiences to explore ‘history in action’ through visits to local places of interest such as St Albans (a Roman city), Celtic Harmony and a Victorian School in Hitchin. Pupils also have the opportunity for immersive experiences such as History Off the Page events e.g. Great Fire of London, Fire making from Stone Ages, where children are in role as a character from the period being studied to bring events to life.