Child friendly definition-

History is the story of the past.
It helps us learn about people, places, and events from long ago.
By studying history, we find out how things have changed and why the world is the way it is today.

 

History Enrichment and Enhancement at John Blow Primary School

At John Blow Primary School, we believe that history should be brought to life through memorable first-hand experiences, local connections and immersive learning opportunities. Our history curriculum is carefully enhanced through educational visits, visitors, workshops, drama experiences and links with our local community to help children develop a deeper understanding of the past and how it has shaped the world around them today.

We aim for children not only to learn historical knowledge, but also to experience history in meaningful and engaging ways. Through enrichment opportunities, pupils are encouraged to develop curiosity, ask questions, handle artefacts, visit historically significant places and make connections between national history and their own locality.

As a school rooted within the local community of Collingham and the surrounding Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire area, we place great importance on helping children understand the rich history of their local area. Children regularly explore nearby historical sites and work with local organisations, including links with the Collingham and District History Society, to help them understand how local history contributes to the wider story of Britain.

 

Across the school, enrichment opportunities include:

visits to Newark Castle and Civil War Centre to explore the role Newark played during the English Civil War;

visits to Lincoln Castle, Lincoln Cathedral and Gainsborough Old Hall to deepen understanding of medieval and Tudor Britain;

local history studies connected to Collingham, Newark and Lincolnshire;

archaeological experiences for Key Stage 2 pupils;

Nottinghamshire Education- Notts outdoors centres

themed history days such as Egyptian Day and WWII experiences;

visits to museums including Lincolnshire Life Museum and Bomber Command Centre;

drama workshops and immersive learning experiences linked to curriculum topics;

opportunities to study artefacts and historical sources first hand.

 

Educational visits and visitors are carefully planned to support and enrich classroom learning. Where possible, learning is linked directly to the children’s current history topic so that knowledge is strengthened through real-life experiences. These opportunities also help children to develop important historical skills such as enquiry, interpretation, questioning and chronological understanding.

We are committed to ensuring that enrichment is accessible for all children. The Friends of John Blow School (FOJBs) actively support the school by fundraising to subsidise visits and experiences, helping to reduce financial barriers and ensure pupils can access a wide range of opportunities throughout their time at school.

In addition to planned visits, pupils benefit from wider cultural experiences that support their understanding of history and society, including:

Black History Month;

remembrance activities;

national celebrations and commemorations;

author visits and storytelling experiences;

library visits;

themed curriculum days;

local community visitors and workshops.

Through these experiences, we aim to develop children who are curious about the past, proud of their local heritage and able to understand how history continues to influence modern life.

 

The teaching staff of John Blow School collaboratively developed this, supported by curriculum guidance and best practice research. This curriculum is underpinned by research-informed approaches and has been carefully mapped against the National Curriculum to ensure full coverage.

Please contact the school if you require additional information.