HISTORY AT CRANLEIGH PREP SCHOOL

"Not to know what happened before you were born is to remain a child forever" - Cicero

History is both the past and the study of the past. The past influences all aspects of our lives. It shapes the customs and beliefs of the communities to which we belong. Learning about the past and the methods used to study it helps children make sense of the world in which they live.

Throughout the study of History at Cranleigh Prep School, the pupils should get an overall view of chronology (when events happened) and they should be encouraged to ask ‘why, when, what and who'. All aspects of History should not be taken at face value (ie. This is what happened at the Battle of Hastings) but pupils must learn to ask the ‘W' questions to give them a richer understanding of what they are studying. The topics covered must be varied, as must the manner in which they are taught. At each level, pupils must be encouraged to think for themselves as much as possible.

The aim of teaching History at Cranleigh Preparatory School is to introduce key skills in the early years to ensure a firm basis of understanding for progression of these skills as they get older.

It is hoped that as pupils go through the school they will be able to develop and see the value of a number of historical skills that will enable them to enjoy the subject. The aim of the school's syllabus is to use these skills as much as possible and to ensure there is a clear progression in the teaching of these skills throughout all year groups. What are these skills?

1.                 To ask significant questions.

2.                 To suggest lines of enquiry.

3.                 To identify sources.

4.                 To evaluate sources.

5.                 To find out about the past from different sources.

6.                 To sequence objects and events.

7.                 To use dates and identify different periods in history.

8.                 To think critically.

9.                 To explain results of historical events and changes.

10.             To suggest reasons for different interpretations/bias.

11.             To produce balanced conclusions.

12.             To understand different terms used in history relevant to different periods.

These skills are incorporated into the schemes of work for each year group. Although there may not be a defined way of testing these skills it should be stressed that the pupils will, in the course of their work, practise these skills and fully develop the use of them as they progress through the school.

The objectives of teaching History

(a) To equip each pupil with the skills and knowledge outlined by the National Curriculum at each key stage

(b) To equip each pupil with the skills and knowledge as outlined by the ISEB Common Entrance and Common Academic Scholarship syllabi.

(c) To provide the necessary skills and knowledge above and beyond those detailed in (a) and (b) for pupils taking entrance or scholarship exams to schools who do not use Common Entrance or Common Academic Scholarship as their mode of entry assessment.

(d) To develop in each pupil a wide knowledge of world and British History.

(e) For each pupil to be able to have a broad understanding about when important events happened in relation to each other - A sense of chronology.

(f) To give the pupils an understanding and awareness of how Britain has changed over the course of History and what important events helped to shape Britain.

(g) To make pupils aware of the relationship between History and other areas of the curriculum.

(h) To encourage and develop the use of ICT as a tool for learning in lessons and outside of lessons. ICT should not be seen as an alternative to teaching History but as another important resource.