History
At Cullercoats Primary School, we believe history is essential in helping children understand the world by exploring the past, recognising change over time and appreciating the stories that have shaped society.
Through history, children develop key skills such as curiosity, critical thinking, empathy and the ability to question evidence and form informed judgements.
Cullercoats is at the heart of our history curriculum. The village’s fishing heritage, coastal development, buildings and local landmarks provide rich, first-hand opportunities for children to explore the lives of people who lived and worked here, helping them develop a strong sense of place and connection to the past.
History at Cullercoats is brought to life through hands-on experiences, primary sources and visits, while making meaningful links across the curriculum. Our aim is to inspire enthusiasm for history and help children understand its lasting importance in their own lives, their community and the wider world.
Subject Leads - Mrs Jo Elliott (KS1) and Mr Simon Meardon (KS2)
INTENT
At Cullercoats Primary School, our intent for the teaching of History is to cultivate a deep and lasting love for the subject amongst our pupils. We aim to provide a curriculum that is rich in diverse historical content, allowing pupils to develop a clear understanding of Britain’s past, as well as key events and civilizations from around the world. Our intent is to equip our pupils with the skills to critically analyse historical sources, think chronologically, and draw connections between past and present. Through our History curriculum, we strive to foster cultural empathy, citizenship, and an appreciation for the role history plays in shaping the world we live in.
We also recognise the unique heritage of Cullercoats and aim to embed local history into our teaching. Pupils will explore fascinating stories from our community, such as the life and work of Robert Scraper Smith, the historic Cullercoats Watch House, and the intriguing Smugglers’ Caves along our coastline. These local narratives help pupils develop a strong sense of identity and pride in their community.
IMPLEMENTATION
To achieve our intent for History, we have carefully designed a curriculum that is engaging, inclusive, and aligned with the most recent Ofsted framework. Our implementation strategy includes:
1. Well-Structured Curriculum: Our History curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced, ensuring clear progression in knowledge and skills. Pupils journey through key historical concepts and periods, while also exploring local heritage such as the role of the Watch House in coastal safety and the stories of smuggling in Cullercoats.
2. Historical Enquiry and Source Analysis: Pupils develop enquiry skills by analysing primary and secondary sources, including artefacts, photographs, and maps. For example, they investigate historical documents linked to Robert Scraper Smith and study images of the Watch House to understand its significance.
3. Cross-Curricular Links: We integrate history with subjects like English, Art, and Geography. Pupils might write narratives inspired by the Smugglers’ Caves or create artwork depicting life in Cullercoats during the 19th century.
4. Cultural Diversity and Inclusion: Our curriculum celebrates diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring pupils appreciate the richness of different cultures throughout history.
5. Local and Global History: Local history is central to our approach. Pupils learn how Cullercoats evolved from a fishing village to a thriving community, exploring figures like Robert Scraper Smith landmarks such as the Watch House. Alongside this, we study global civilizations and significant world events.
6. Effective Assessment: We use formative and summative assessments to monitor progress, alongside creative projects such as research on local landmarks.
7. Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Teachers receive ongoing training to deliver high-quality lessons and incorporate local history effectively.
IMPACT
Our approach ensures pupils develop historical knowledge, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. They show enthusiasm for history, engage in debates, and produce high-quality work. Local history projects such as presentations on the Smugglers’ Caves or reports on Robert Scraper Smith demonstrate their ability to connect the past with their own community.
By embedding Cullercoats’ unique heritage into our curriculum, we foster pride, curiosity, and a lifelong love of history. Pupils leave our school equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand and appreciate both local and global history.
SKILLS MAPPING DOCUMENTS