History

Our Whole School History Overview

History policy

 

History at Drighlington Primary School

At Drighlington Primary, we are proud to be part of a village with a rich history, and we want our children to develop the same appreciation for the past. Through our history curriculum, children learn about both local history and the wider world, helping them understand how the past has shaped the present.

We want our children to be curious, ask questions and develop a real interest in the stories of the past. By learning about different people, places and events, children begin to understand their own identity and the diverse world around them.

“The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.” – Theodore Roosevelt

 

                                                                     

What does history look like in our school?

History is taught in a way that brings learning to life. Children don’t just learn facts—they explore, question and investigate.

In lessons, children:

  • Learn about different periods of history, from ancient civilisations to more recent events
  • Develop an understanding of time and chronology (what happened and when)
  • Compare different time periods and spot similarities and differences
  • Ask questions and use historical sources (such as photos, artefacts and documents) to find answers
  • Learn about important people who have shaped the world

We also show children that they can be historians too. Through their learning, they begin to see how the skills they are developing—such as questioning, analysing evidence and thinking critically—are used in real-life jobs.

Children learn about careers linked to history, such as:

  • Archaeologists
  • Museum curators
  • Researchers and historians
  • Teachers and writers
  • Roles in heritage and conservation

As they move through school, children build on what they already know and begin to think more deeply—developing the confidence and skills to explore the past like real historians.

 

 


6th June 2024 - 80th Anniversary of D-day: Drighlington Primary School were proud to remember and honour those who fought so bravely and sacrificed so much for freedom.  We held a special D-day themed day to mark the 80th anniversary and many of our children entered a competition to design a plaque for the cenotaph in Drighlington. 

Learning beyond the classroom

We believe history should be experienced, not just read about.

Throughout the year, children have opportunities to:

  • Visit places of historical interest
  • Take part in workshops and themed days
  • Learn through role play and storytelling
  • Handle artefacts and explore real-life historical sources
  • Take part in activities that bring history to life in a memorable way

These experiences help children to develop a deeper understanding and make learning more meaningful.

Thinking like historians

We encourage children to think like historians by:

  • Asking questions about the past
  • Looking at evidence and deciding how reliable it is
  • Understanding how and why things have changed over time
  • Exploring cause and consequence (why events happened)

 Our aim

We want every child to:

  • Enjoy learning about the past
  • Be curious and ask questions
  • Understand how history has shaped the world today
  • Appreciate their own place within history

How you can help your child at home

Partnerships with parents and carers is an important part of Drighlington Primary School.  Working closely with parents enables us to ensure parents feel confident that their child is safe, well looked and is receiving a high quality education during their school hours.  The links below offer a range of resources that may also be useful to families.

5 Ways To Make History Interesting For Your Child
  1. Travel to historical places. 
  2. Work on creative history projects together. 
  3. Watch historical films and documentaries together. 
  4. Teach your child about important historical figures. 
  5. Encourage learning life lessons from history.

Places to visit 

Oakwell Hall (free of charge) https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/museums-and-galleries/oakwell-hall.aspx

Bolhttps://www.historyforkids.net/ling Hall https://bradfordmuseums.org/bolling-hall-museum-library

Cartwright Hall https://bradfordmuseums.org/cartwright-hall-art-gallery/

Bradford Industrial Museum https://bradfordmuseums.org/bradford-industrial-museum/

Further support and useful weblinks

Early Years Development Matters

Birth to 5 Matters

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum

https://www.historyforkids.net/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/forkids/index.shtml