History
Curriculum Intent
Grange Junior School aims to develop children’s curiosity and knowledge of the past and enable them to see and think like historians.
Through our history curriculum we aim to spark interest and enjoyment in the study of history. Our intention is that our curriculum will also enable all learners to access it and to have a better understanding of history related concepts (such as civilisation) and the concepts that historians work with, including the process of change and some of its causes, consequences and similarities and differences across different societies, (both in Britain and across the wider world). We intend that our learners will leave our school with a growing cultural capital of the significance of people, places and events through time and how these have influenced our lives today.
Our history curriculum has been carefully mapped out to include some golden threads of essential knowledge and skills that pupils will be taught. These are mapped under four main foci; culture, conflict, change and cultivation of history skills.
CULTURE (with a focus on characteristic features)
- Learn about different societies from the past, both in the UK and from the wider world
- Learn about some of the ‘everyday’ features of different societies (including attitudes, values, practices, beliefs) and think about how human instincts, thoughts and acts have a cultural history which may relate to the present.
CONFLICT (with a focus on cause and consequence)
- Learn about some of the issues, struggles, difference of opinion and ordeals faced by some societies in the past. (The basis of conflict might be personal, racial, political or international and may relate to/impact society today)
CHANGE (with a focus on change and continuity)
- Learn about some of the changes, alterations or transformations that have occurred in societies in the past. (Changes might result from a variety of factors including technological advancements, social movements, wars etc.)
CULTIVATION OF THE METHODS OF LEARNING ABOUT THE PAST (with a focus upon enquiry)
- Learn some of the abstract terms specifically relating to history (e.g. empire, civilisation)
- Understand the nature of historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similar and different, significance, interpretation
Curriculum implementation
At Grange, our history curriculum incorporates the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum, as well as other experiences and opportunities which best meet the needs of our children.
History is organised into half-termly topics based around a key question or statement designed to encourage curiosity. Each unit of learning engages children through an enquiry question that aims to develop children’s understanding and knowledge about a period of time as well as developing children as cultivating the methods of learning about the past.
British history units of work are taught in chronological order so that it continues to develop children’s chronological understanding of British history. The study of civilisations from across the world are sequenced dependent upon the complexity of concepts that will be taught. Additionally pupils undertake a local history study which is sequenced to build an understanding of how historians work.
Curriculum impact
Throughout the years of learning history at Grange, children gain a growing knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world.
Pupils begin to develop an understanding different past societies from around the world including some of their everyday attitudes, values, prejudices, rituals and practices.
Pupils develop an understanding about the process of change, including the types of thing that influence change such as technological advancements.
Pupils develop an understanding about the challenges faced by different groups of people of their time.
Pupils begin to develop an understanding of the methods of historical enquiry.
Support for parents to support your child’s learning.
We would like to remind parents that you don’t need to be experts in curriculum subjects—encouraging curiosity and learning alongside your child is what matters most. Encourage your child to ask questions and then help them find answers.
- Take a look at some of the recommended reads on our website.
- Take a trip to museums and places of interest
- Watch documentaries and videos together with your child
- Take a look at some of the resources on offer on educational websites.
In history these include:
- BBC Bitesize History – click on link below
- National Geographic Kids – click on link below
Nearby places of interest connected to history
Farnborough Air Science Trust Museum (FAST)
The Museum is open to adults and children of all ages 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. Admission is Free
Aldershot Military Museum
Adults £10, children £7 – the ticket gives entry for 12 months. Check online for opening times.
Odiham Castle
Odiham Castle is known locally as King John’s Castle Odiham Castle is located within a tranquil site adjacent to the Basingstoke Canal. Free admission
Farnborough Heritage Trails
You can download the app onto your phone or ipad – simply search for Farnborough Heritage Trails. This app makes use of GPS to show you places of interest close to your current location. The self-guided walking trails app helps to trace the history of Farnborough. Each trail features buildings of interest, illustrated by historic and modern images with accompanying text to add to the enjoyment of the journey. Prominent people who have shaped the town feature heavily.
The history of the town spans more than a millennium and has grown from a tiny hamlet with a population of 13 recorded in the Domesday Book to over 65,000 in the 2021 census. Despite the rapid expansion of the last 170 years, that core element is still evident today from many local family names and businesses which can be traced back through the generations.
The ‘Birthplace of Aviation’ is the general perception whenever Farnborough is mentioned but this would not have transpired if the Army had not moved the Balloon School across from Aldershot in 1905. This marked the beginning of an era of experimental flying and research that took Britain to the forefront of aviation development and ensured Farnborough’s place in history.
The Farnborough Street Trail outlines the history of the original village. Along the way there will be evidence of the early pottery industry, the arrival of the railway, the first recorded school, and a visit to the site of an infamous bare knuckle fight that lasted over 2 hours! To discover more about Farnborough’s aviation heritage, take the Aviation Trail which will show the progression from the earliest recorded flight in this country, through the development of world famous research facilities, and noting some prominent contributors on the way.