Our History Intent

At Manor Leas Infant School we aim for a high-quality History curriculum which should inspire a curiosity and fascination about Britain’s past, it’s diversity and that of the wider world. Our teaching aims to equip our children with knowledge about the History of Britain and how it has influenced and been influenced by the wider world and the importance of their place within it. We place great emphasis on the History of our local area and aim to instil pride in our children for the place in which they live.

Our History curriculum is developed from the National Curriculum, with knowledge and skills mapped within and across each year group to ensure systematic progression and which are revisited throughout the year. This will enable children to apply previous knowledge to new objectives, so they can know more, remember more and do more. As well as gaining knowledge about the past, we want every child to develop key historical skills, such as sequencing key events, using sources of evidence and asking and answering questions about the past. We want our children to enjoy and love learning about History not just through experiences in the classroom, but also beyond through fieldwork and educational visits. In EYFS children are taught discrete skills and apply them in adult-led group activities, or in their independent child-initiated play. In KS1, children are taught discrete lessons and are given the opportunity to apply their skills across a range of different tasks and subjects.

At Manor Leas Infant School the children develop a love of the past right from the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children learn about important historical figures and events through books, photos and other people's experiences, understanding that some things have changed and some have stayed the same. 

During Year One, children develop their ability to order chronologically and compare objects from the present and past. They learn about how they have changed in their lives so far, as well as how toys have developed over the years. Children also learn about important historical events and figures such as the Gunpowder Plot and Ernest Shackleton, developing key skills such as sequencing events correctly, asking questions and using sources of information to answer them. 

In Year Two, children investigate famous events, including the Great Fire of London. They investigate where the fire started and suggest reasons why it spread. Through the topic children have the opportunity to create timelines, make collage Stuart houses and make mind maps demonstrating their knowledge. Children also learn about events in their own locality, such as events at Lincoln Castle. Children investigate famous people, such as Samuel Pepys, comparing different versions of past events, creating timelines and evaluating evidence from the past.