History At La Moye School

At La Moye School, children undertake a broad and balanced history curriculum that allows them to learn about history in Jersey, Britain and the wider world. Through the teaching of History at La Moye, we aim to inspire and build on children’s’ natural curiosity about the past.

Teaching and Learning

The Early Years Foundation Stage at La Moye School follows the objectives set out in the EYFS Framework/Early Learning Goals (ELGs), developing a child’s ‘knowledge and understanding of the world’. The early learning goals at EYFS are very much focused on the memories of the child. It may be that they are asked to remember a special event or routine or custom for their family. They may talk about differences between different family members or different generations. Topics are generated and developed through the interests of the children and historical skills promoted within the topic.

In Key Stage 1, the focus of history is very much on:   

• Changes within living memory.
• Events beyond living memory.
• Significant individuals in the past.
• Significant events in Jersey. 

In Key Stage 2, there are four main areas of study:

• Changes in prehistoric Britain
• Ancient civilisations
• Invaders and Settlers
• A study of an aspect or theme in British history after 1066.

Throughout our history teaching, children develop an awareness of the past using accurate terminology and an understanding of chronology and where people and events fit in relation to each other. Children learn about historical enquiry and how we find out about the past, why things have happened and what were the lasting effects and also how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources.

What Does History Look Like At La Moye?

Children are encouraged to explore and ask historical questions such as: ‘When did this event happen?’, ‘What caused this event?’ ‘How was life different from today?’ ‘How was it the same?’  to develop their understanding. Teachers promote the children's curiosity through engaging lessons, local visits and visitors, themed days and make learning visible through the use of artefacts, resources and other 'hooks' to bring the learning to life.

Historical artefacts, pictorial evidence, written accounts, drama, role-play, stories and special events are an essential means of children finding out and learning about history. Visits to local heritage sites are valued as they bring history alive and make it more meaningful. Even a walk around the local area is encouraged as it can prove to be a rewarding historical experience while looking for evidence of the past and discovering how things have changed over time.

How Can I Support My Child With History?

Often there will be a history day at school or a visit off site. Whilst you may groan when you get the letter, children will learn so much more through being involved with the past, than just from writing about the past. These days/visits also provide something to remember and a link with the history being learnt. Teachers also love parents and grandparents who are prepared to come in and help on history days, or who can come and talk to a class if they have a specific knowledge about a period of history — for example, life before the internet (yes, this does now count as history!), the moon landings, or rationing.

Another way to help is to visit museums, historic houses and talk about the topics that they are doing. In Jersey we have access to many heritage sites and museums through Jersey Heritage (www.jerseyheritage.org). Whilst there is a cost, it is well worth joining as a family. The children who love history are often the ones who have seen a love of the past in their parents. Use them as a resource and spend quality time sharing the past together. Otherwise, watch age-appropriate history programmes on TV.

There are some fantastic children’s books based in the past. Whilst these are often fiction, there will be facts and figures in the books that children will remember. Some good examples include: anything by Caroline Lawrence (the Roman Mysteries), Goodnight Mr Tom (WW2 and evacuation), Stig of the Dump (Clive King) and picture books or non-fiction books that you can share at bedtime.

Finally, if all else fails, embrace the Horrible Histories approach and go for the gross! Knowing about toilet etiquette in Roman times, that the Ancient Greek men did sports naked, or that the Ancient Egyptians used to hook the brains of dead people out through their nose before mummification will be enough to liven up any conversation about history!

Useful Learning Links:

Click on a link to access these useful websites to support History learning at home: 

Jersey Heritage: https://www.jerseyheritage.org   

BBC History: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/forkids/

National Geographic Kids: https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/category/discover/history/

BBC Bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zcw76sg

History for Kids: https://www.historyforkids.net/