Downs Junior School

Intent

In History lessons at Downs Junior, children learn about the everyday lives of people living in the past as well as significant figures and events. They develop their knowledge and understanding of the past by studying periods of British and World history, gaining a deeper understanding of the different causes and consequences of change.

We believe that History should be an exciting, enjoyable and evidence based subject. At Downs, pupils learn through various teaching methods including using mantle of the expert, looking at artifacts, visiting historical sites and talking to experts. Our curriculum provides pupils with opportunities to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments and develop perspective and judgement. Exciting cross-curricular links help to engage children and consolidate learning. Through the teaching of History, we endeavour to teach children to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as pupils own identity and the challenges of their time. We wish to inspire pupils’ curiosity and allow our children to be reflective global citizens who will understand that there are different interpretations and contrasting points of view of the past.

We intend for our children to have real life experiences and learn about History in an active and creative way and therefore visitors and trips form a fundamental part of our curriculum. We are extremely lucky to have World War 2 air raid shelters under our school. These shelters have been restored, with the help of our local community, and are open to all schools; they are also open to the public during the Brighton festival.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elVJO1SQ8y8

https://takeshelter.org.uk/