HISTORY
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ACHIEVE - LEARN - FLOURISH
The Aspire Learning Federation is made up of two schools - Elm Park Primary School and R J Mitchell Primary School in the London Borough of Havering.
At R J Mitchell Primary, we believe that the study of history is essential for helping our pupils develop a cohesive and chronological understanding of the past, both within the United Kingdom and the wider world. Through a carefully structured curriculum, we aim to inspire our children to explore the lives of people who lived before them, and to critically analyse the resources and perspectives that have shaped our collective understanding of history.
We encourage our pupils to question past viewpoints, use evidence to form their own conclusions, and link historical events to the present day. We seek to spark a genuine curiosity and love of learning in our children. We want them to understand the importance of reliable sources and how they have allowed us to piece together the stories of those who came before us.
Our history curriculum also celebrates the achievements of influential historical figures, both local and global, who have changed the world in which we live. By exploring the lives and legacies of these pioneering individuals, we hope to inspire our pupils to see the profound impact that they, too, can have on their communities and the world around them.
Our history curriculum is based on the CUSP framework, which ensures we comprehensively cover the requirements of the national curriculum. History is taught for a full afternoon every other week, allowing our children to immerse themselves in the subject and make meaningful connections across the knowledge, skills, and vocabulary of a historian. Through our carefully sequenced long-term planning, teachers at R J Mitchell Primary School work to build upon children's prior learning, introducing new historical concepts and skills in a logical and structured manner. This approach enables our children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to access and engage with the history curriculum effectively. To bring the past to life, our teachers utilise a variety of engaging resources and teaching methods. From handling artefacts to analysing primary and secondary sources, our children are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and develop their historical inquiry skills.
We are very proud of the history of our school. We are named after the man who designed and created the Spitfire, and the school is built on part of the historic RAF base. We are lucky enough to have several historical artefacts and memorabilia displayed throughout our school, serving as a constant reminder of the pivotal role our community played during the war. Each year, we hold a memorial service to honour those who fought in both World Wars. This occasion allows our pupils to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sacrifices of the past, aligning with our school's core values of Aspire, Believe and Achieve.
To further deepen our pupils' knowledge and curiosity about history, we incorporate a range of engaging learning experiences into our curriculum. Regular visits, trips, and history-themed days provide opportunities for our children to immerse themselves in the past, fostering a love for the subject and a desire to make their own mark on the world.
Our subject leaders closely monitor the implementation of history across the school, reviewing pupil work, planning, and lesson observations to ensure consistent high-quality delivery. By using pre- and post-assessments, we are able to tailor our teaching to the unique needs of each child, tracking their progress over time and providing targeted support where necessary.
At the heart of our history curriculum is the belief that our pupils should develop a strong understanding of how the world came to be, and be inspired to shape the future themselves. Through our engaging and well-structured lessons, we aim to ignite a passion for the past that will empower our children to become the history-makers of tomorrow!