History

“We study history not to be clever in another time, but to be wise always.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero 

At Millfields, history has always been held in high regard. We pride ourselves on our creative learning through our history curriculum that builds on historical skills as the children move up the school.  Topics are informed by the national curriculum and are sensitive to children’s interests, as well as the context of the local area. The history curriculum at Millfields is carefully planned and structured to ensure that current learning is linked to previous learning, the children are inspired and develop a thirst for historical enquiry. 

In line with the national curriculum, the history curriculum at Millfields aims to ensure that all pupils, regardless of ability, gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Our history lessons stimulate pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past; they are encouraged to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, compare a range of primary and secondary sources, and develop perspective and judgement. This enables them to begin to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of our own society and others, and relationships between different groups. 

History is taught in quarter blocks across the year, focusing on key concepts throughout the block. Significant people are identified for each topic and are focused on to enrich the children’s understanding of that period of history. The subject leader has identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic through the history curriculum and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. By the end of Year 6, children will have a secure understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this are studies of world history, such as the ancient civilisations of Rome, Greece and the Egyptians, and other civilisations such as the Maya.

Within our knowledge-rich approach, there is a strong emphasis on people and the community of our local area, such as Boudicca and Colchester Castle. Throughout our history learning at Millfields, we encourage the children to consider their own identity within the history of our country and the wider world, and how our present can be influenced by the past. 

History Feast Day
Every year we celebrate History Feast Day. The children can dress up from a period of history that they have studied in their year group, and each teacher teaches a lesson based on that historical era, which each class takes part in. The purpose of the day is to recognise the significance of history as a subject, and for the children to learn key facts about each era to extend their substantive knowledge through fun activities. All classes then share a feast together, to celebrate the day. 

History Leader - Mrs Sheona Gray 

History Link Governor - Mr Andrew Foster

Part of the Humanities team.