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 throughout each key stage 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. 

 In Key Stage One children develop their ability to order chronologically and compare objects from the present and past. They learn about how their school experience is different to the experiences of children in the past, as well as how toys have developed over the years. Children are given the opportunity 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, experience what life was like during 1666 and ask questions to further their knowledge. Children investigate famous people, such as Samuel Pepys and Jane Goodall, comparing different versions of past events, creating timelines and evaluating evidence from the past. 

Within the two-year cycle children also learn about events in their own locality, such as events at Lincoln Castle. Children use primary and secondary sources to deepen their understanding and answer questions such as why was Lincoln Castle built on top of the hill? And what are the key features of Motte and Bailey castles?