History

Our History Subject Leader is Mrs A Wearmouth

Our History Governor is Mrs N Neal

At Sedgefield Primary School we offer a high-quality history education which inspires pupils’ curiosity and develops their disciplinary knowledge as historians. Pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past (including that of the local area) and the wider world. Teaching equips pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. History helps pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.

History is taught throughout the school in three half-termly topics. The teaching of this subject is discrete in order to develop the pupils’ disciplinary knowledge. This is enhanced through visits to historical sites (including those in the local area) and visitors who share first hand experiences of events in the past. The school has forged links with Durham University Learning Team, DigVentures and Ecus Archaeology who provide onsite and outreach sessions aswell as access to historical artefacts. This enables the pupils to develop an in-depth knowledge of the topic they are studying and creates opportunities for staff development. The school also has a subscription to Durham Learning Resources who provide high quality resources to enhance teaching and learning including primary sources of information, interpretations of the past and cross curricular materials.

The impact of teaching is measured by teachers through ongoing informal assessments as well as summative formal assessments. The subject leader monitors progress through the scrutiny of books, discussions with pupils and staff members and the monitoring of formal assessments. 

Local History

The importance of local history for developing a sense of place and identity is emphasised by the National curriculum. Local history provides rich opportunities to engage children in their immediate local area and understand their own history. (Historical Association). 

The study of local history is a fundamental aspect of our History curriculum at Sedgefield Primary. Local History is taught in every year group across school from learning about ourselves and our own family history in EYFS to investigating a County Durham family affected by World War One in Year 6 (supported by Durham Light Infantry Collection). Throughout their time at  our school the children learn about the rich and diverse history of Sedgefield and the neighbouring villages, County Durham and the North East aswell as significant local people in the past.

For more information about the History curriculum, please contact Mrs Wearmouth via the school office 01740 620359, office@sedgefieldprimary.co.uk.

Our long term History plan