History

Jesus said “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put in under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in Heaven. ” (Matthew 5: 14-16) (taken from the Sermon on the Mount)

What does history look like at Abbey?

Children will have access to a high-quality history education which will help them to gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Pupils’ curiosity will be inspired to know more about the past. Our teaching will equip pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.

We want our children to shine brightly in all that they do.

Theological Concept Relevant to Curriculum	History
Salvation (transformative, ‘good news’) • How does your subject transform pupils and impact upon their lives in a positive way? In what way is your subject ‘good news?’ • Why/how are you ‘Good News’ for your community? • In what ways is your work transformational?	History learning here at Abbey has a positive impact in pupil’s lives by allowing them to reflect on their own and their families’ personal history and also explore influential people from key events in the past. Children are offered time to reflect on their lives up to this point, to really think about how they have developed both in physical and personal, spiritual ways. History offers ‘good news’ for our community, as here at Abbey, history inspires our pupils to understand that they can all shine brightly in their own way. They learn about significant people from the past who have made positive changes within both our community and across the World. History learning is transformational for our pupils as it inspires them to understand that they can become anything they wish to be. They can shine brightly in their chosen path and create their own history.
The Trinity (diversity and community) • How does your curriculum engage with difference and celebrate diversity? Where have you considered representation of all within your curriculum? • What role does difference and authenticity play? • Is unity within diversity a core flavour for who you are?	History at Abbey celebrates difference and diversity. Our curriculum has been carefully considered to ensure there is a clear representation of different genders, cultures and races when learning about significant and influential people from history. This is paramount to teaching our children to all shine brightly, to have a sense of pride and to be their authentic selves through life. By ensuring this representation is present, we teach our children that there should be no barrier to them achieving their hopes and dreams and indeed creating a successful history for themselves. This representation also teaches our children to value our diverse community and world. It shows us that we must respect and love all people equally, and celebrate historical achievements across all cultures and communities.
Love (issues of justice and equity) • How does your curriculum engage with issues of love in action e.g. social justice issues? • What does love look like and what might it mean in your context? • Is it linked to accountability, equity, justice?	Love is integral to everything we do here at Abbey. Or history curriculum allows all pupils to have access to the same opportunities, ensuring everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. Our pupils are offered excellent teaching, quality resources and access to off site visits which are intended to enhance their history learning and encourage a love for the subject. We recognise some children need adaptations within their history learning. Here at Abbey, through our love of teaching and our pupils, we support these children in the best way we possibly can to shine brightly. To ensure equity, our curriculum represents diversity. We want our pupils to recognise that the significant people from history we learn about, are all equals, regardless of gender, racial and cultural differences. We hope our history curriculum will encourage a love for the subject and provide inspiration for our children to love and celebrate themselves and one another.