History at Walkington Primary School

At Walkington School we value historical study highly as a vital element of learning both who we are and about the world around us.

Without understanding where we come from and how we got here, it is difficult to appreciate our current place in the world.  History is one of the key foundation blocks, along with other branches of science and the arts, which gives young people cultural capital, and the ability to make sense of the world they see around them.  It goes beyond a simple, yet important, fascination with people and events of the past, providing children with a set of skills that allow children critically filter the bewildering amount of information they encounter in their daily lives.

We aim to give all our pupils the skills to successfully transfer their natural inquisitiveness and curiosity into deeper, more critical study as they continue through their education, and a also a vocabulary to understand the evolution and changes in human development.

By the time pupils leave us, our ultimate aims are that all our children:

  1. See History as an ordered but everchanging continuum, and to identify the events in the past that shape our present and our future lives
  2. Understanding that no historical change occurs in isolation: that every event has an identifiable cause and effect.
  3. Develop critical thinking skills – enquiry, analysis and interpretation enabling them to look at the past, the present and events in the future from a broader perspective.
  4. Develop a sense of chronology across numerous period of human history.
  5. Through the study of various characters from the past, foster an enduring interest in human life far beyond their own locality and lifetime.

 The school recognises that each pupil will be at a different point in terms of their understanding of art by the time they transition to KS3; however we are committed to providing a learning pathway which is inclusive for everyone irrespective of abilities.

This intention also aligns closely with our aim of promoting the “Global Competencies” outlined by the OECD.

“From the moment pupils enter the school each day, they are greeted with respect and a genuine sense of care from the adults in the building.”

Ofsted comments

“The teaching of reading is good. There is a consistent approach to the teaching of
phonics.”

Ofsted comments

“The passionate and effective leadership of senior leaders and the commitment of the staff have sustained the good quality of education at the school.”

Ofsted comments

“The school’s welcoming and caring ethos is central to its work in raising standards for
pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“Improvements in the teaching of mathematics have helped to increase pupils’ progress and improve pupils’ ability to solve mathematical
problems.”

Ofsted comments

“The school is a calm, orderly and purposeful place for pupils to make the most of their learning.”

Ofsted comments

“Learning in early years gets off to a good start. As a result of effective teaching and provision, children progress well from their starting points.”

Ofsted comments

“Staff welcome the professional development they receive and say that this makes a real difference to the quality of their teaching.”

Ofsted comments

“Teachers use their good subject knowledge to plan interesting tasks that engage
pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“Pupils behave well and are polite, articulate and respectful.”

Ofsted comments

“The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding.”

Ofsted comments

“The quality of teaching at Walkington Primary is underpinned by warm and caring
relationships between staff and pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“Older pupils develop a good understanding of what they read. Leaders promote a love of reading and pupils say the school provides them with high-quality texts.”

Ofsted comments

“Governors have a good understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses and
are clear about priorities and plans for improvement.”

Ofsted comments

“Governors are ambitious for the school. They challenge and support leaders effectively.”

Ofsted comments

“Staff encourage pupils to be resilient and take risks. Pupils know it is all right to get things wrong and that this is part of the process of learning.”

Ofsted comments

“Parents and carers who offered their views to inspectors were overwhelmingly positive about the experiences of their children.”

Ofsted comments

“In mathematics lessons, resources are used well to enable pupils to visualise abstract ideas and to get a more secure understanding of number.”

Ofsted comments

“By the end of Year 6, outcomes are high in reading and writing. In reading, they are
particularly high.”

Ofsted comments

“Good teaching through early years and in key stage 1 ensures that the proportion of pupils passing the Year 1 phonics screening check is consistently above average.”

Ofsted comments

“Teachers plan interesting activities that motivate the pupils. Staff ensure that all pupils are valued and included in learning.”

Ofsted comments

“Effective safeguarding procedures are in place. All staff have a clear understanding of how to keep pupils safe.”

Ofsted comments

“The profile of sport has been raised and more pupils now compete in sporting
activities.”

Ofsted comments

“In all key stages, pupils are now making good progress from their starting points in reading, writing and mathematics.”

Ofsted comments

“Pupils listen to the opinions of others and are keen to offer their views considerately and respectfully.”

Ofsted comments

“Adults give pupils
opportunities to share ideas and challenge their own thinking and this helps them to articulate their opinions with confidence.”

Ofsted comments

“Leaders are well trained and use their knowledge of special educational needs to identify specific requirements at an early stage and provide timely support.”

Ofsted comments

“The broad curriculum provides a wide range of enriching experiences for pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“Exciting activities, such as visits to places of worship, generate high levels of
interest and curiosity about the themes that pupils are studying.”

Ofsted comments