History at Co-op Academy Medlock

‘

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.’ 

Marcus Garvey

Intent

At Co-op Academy Medlock, history plays a key role in our broad curriculum, supporting our pupils' curiosity about the past and their understanding of the world around them. Our history curriculum is designed to help children build knowledge of British history, world civilisations, and how past events shape their lives today. As our school is situated in Ardwick, Manchester, we ensure that our curriculum reflects the diversity of our community, allowing pupils to see themselves represented in the stories they learn. We aim to foster young people who understand their place in history and appreciate its impact on their future.

Implementation

History is taught following a progressive and structured curriculum. In Early Years, pupils develop foundational historical understanding through cross-curricular topics like "Understanding the World," supported by hands-on experiences such as visits to local museums and community interactions. As pupils progress through Key Stages 1 and 2, they revisit and build on prior learning through carefully planned units, ensuring they acquire both substantive knowledge (events, people, places) and disciplinary skills (critical thinking, historical inquiry). The curriculum is designed to support vocabulary development, with lessons incorporating high-quality texts. Local museums and galleries, such as the Manchester Museum and Whitworth Art Gallery, offer further enrichment opportunities, ensuring pupils connect their learning to the world around them.

Impact

The impact of the history curriculum is assessed through a range of methods.Teachers and the subject lead use this data to identify and address gaps in knowledge, ensuring continuous progress. History lessons also have cross-curricular benefits, supporting learning in subjects like art, geography, and science. Pupils engage positively with history, demonstrating progress and producing work of high quality, which reflects their growing understanding of the past and its relevance to their lives.