The study of History fires children’s curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world. Through finding out about how and why the world, our country, culture and local community have developed over time, children understand how the past influences the present.
 
This enables children to develop a context for their growing sense of identity and a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people.  What they learn can influence their decisions about personal choices, attitudes and values. In History, pupils find evidence, weigh it up and reach their own conclusion. To do this they need to be able to research, sift through evidence, and argue for their point of view – skills that are prized in adult life.
    
At Colerne our principle aim, when teaching History, is to stimulate the children’s curiosity in order for them to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding. History is real and experienced by all the senses.  With this in mind the children are given opportunities to learn History through a wide range of activities including:  handling artefacts, questioning, taking on the role of experts, drawing, writing, discussion and role-play.
 
We want History to come to life so that children understand that they are learning about real people and real events.  With this is mind we strive to provide the children with enrichment opportunities through visits to local and national museums and historic sites such as Stonehenge, Chedworth Villa, SS Great Britain, STEAM at Swindon, St Fagan’s near Cardiff. We regularly invite professionals into school to lead workshops with children, extending their knowledge and understanding of historical concepts and ‘living’ the time period being studied.