History
Our History Vision: Understanding Our World
At Holland Park, we aim for every child to gain a coherent and powerful knowledge of Britain’s past and the wider world. Our curriculum is designed so that each year builds directly upon the historical knowledge and skills learned in previous years.
How Your Child Learns History
We teach history not just as a collection of facts, but as an active process of discovery, ensuring children develop the essential skills of a historian.
Focus on Chronology
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Timelines: Every new history unit begins by establishing chronology (the order of events) using timelines displayed in the classroom.
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Making Connections: We constantly refer back to timelines from previous topics so children can understand how different historical periods link together and place new learning in a wider context.
Developing Historian Skills
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Inquiry-Based Learning: Children are given opportunities to develop skills through historical enquiries. They don't just memorise; they learn how to investigate the past.
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Interpreting Evidence: Your child will learn how to research and interpret evidence using both primary sources (like artifacts or letters from the time) and secondary sources (like history books).
Real-World and Local Context
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Cultural Capital: We bring learning to life by using real-life historians and a range of sources and artifacts wherever possible.
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Visits and Context: We prioritise visits to places of historical interest and use the local area and its unique history (such as local maps, photographs, and the school's own history) to make learning meaningful and contextualised.
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Vocabulary: Tier 3 historical vocabulary (specific terms) is displayed and taught in the classroom to ensure children can discuss and write about history accurately.