History

History Intent at Holy Family

History is all around us. Our History Curriculum ignites children’s interest about the past in Britain and the wider world and is designed to build on children’s prior learning, introduce new experiences and enable children to make connections between their skills, knowledge and concepts and work independently and collaborating with others. 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. History 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 children will learn through history can influence their decisions about personal choices, attitudes and values and enable them to enhance their cultural capital and know about life beyond Stainforth. At Holy Family, our intent, when teaching history, is to stimulate the children’s curiosity in order for them to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding.

Children used pictures and listened to accounts from the past to explain similarities and differences.

In year this term we have complete our Ancient Egypt topic. Here are some pieces of the children’s work, alongside our display.

In Year 3, the children have been getting better at understanding how Ancient Egyptian society was structured with the hierarchy. The children participated in hot seating for the different rolls in society.

In Nursery we have been learning about Chinese New Year. It is a special time that is celebrated every year. We listened to a story about some animals arguing because they wanted the New Year to be named after them. We acted it out and pretended to have an argument just like the animals. We learnt that 2024 is the Year of the Dragon. We made a handprint dragon and even used some of our outdoor equipment to create an even bigger one. We loved watching the dragon dancing video, then had a go at dancing in time to the tambourine moving faster and slower. We have also been building the tall buildings that we saw on the photographs of Shanghai.

Children learnt about the history of a bookmark from Victorian times versus modern-day styles. They used threading to design and make their very own bookmark.

All classes at Holy Family have worked together to showcase their amazing history learning this half term. The children shared their learning with parents, guardians and other family members. Children and parents left feedback on the learning they saw and our wonderful museum.  Well done Holy Family!

Year 2: The Great Fire of London

Children have enjoyed exploring The Great Fire of London. They have recalled facts, used tier two and tier three vocabulary in their writing and can now explain how London changed after the fire, and give reasons for many of the changes. 

The children have been researching historic toys on the iPads and completing online toy quizzes.

In History, year 1 have continued to look at toys over time. Excitingly, some of the grownups in school brought in their favourite toys from when they were little. We loved hearing about these special toys. Thank you to Miss Barron and Mr Wilson for helping us learn.

Reception children gathered at our whole school display to reflect on the lives of the soldiers that fought for us to allow us to live in peace. After they said a prayer, they left their poppy as a mark of respect.  

Year 4 have learned about who ruled Rome and how Roman life was. We have also learned about how and why the Romans invaded Britain. 

The children in year 5 have thoroughly enjoyed learning all about their history topic this half term- the Vikings!

They explored where the Vikings came from and the reasons why they migrated to Britain and as a class, they concluded that the Vikings were not just raiders and invaders but people who wanted better land to live on and space for their families to grow.

To conclude their learning, the children held a museum afternoon for parents to see their amazing work- it was wonderful to be able to share all of their learning.

Take a look at their learning journey below

We have been learning about Sir Mo Farah. We watched him winning a race in the Olympics, it was very exciting! We did some exercise just like him and did his famous 'Mobot'.

Black History in Year 2 

The children in Year 2 focused on exploring the lives and achievements of Sir Lewis Hamilton and Muhammed Ali. 

We created mini fact-files highlighting their lives. We also discussed the impact they have made, exploring Black History and equality. 

During Black History Month, the children learnt all about the lives of Katherine Johnson and Maggie Alderin-Pocock. From their interests as children, to their careers as adults, we explored the inspiration that led them to be the iconic figures we know them as today.

During Black History Month, Year 4 have learned about famous black athletes and they have celebrated  amazing sporting accomplishments. 

Reception have explored Black History focusing on Mo Farah. The children learnt who Mo Farah is, his early life when he was growing up and all about when he won Olympic Gold and all of his other medals. 

In Y3, the children have enjoyed learning about the differences in life, culture, and celebrations between the stone, bronze, and Iron Age. Y3 have learnt about the hunting techniques and weapons used, the types of housing and agricultural developments, prehistoric landmarks, and artefacts within prehistory Britain. 

This half term, Year 6 children have studied Ancient Greece; they have gained knowledge on the first Greek civilisations, how Ancient Greece was ruled, the Persian Wars, the Athenians and the Spartans, the achievements of Alexander the Great and the impact Ancient Greece still has on life today...

Reception children shared images of their family to develop an understanding of the past and present. We all listened to what children had to say about the pictures.

A big thank you to parents for taking the time to bring in the pictures. 

Using items from the Bronze Age, to trade between peers.

Year 2 have enjoyed their first history learning journey 'Kings and Queens'. We have explored monarchs across the ages focusing on our enquiry question 'Who was the most powerful British monarch?' 

During this topic, children learned about important issues around the world such as; different types of protests, justice, gender equality, racial equality and LGBTQ...

Holy Family celebrated the coronation by writing biographies about King Charles III life and creating magnificent pieces of art and even a sculpture of King Charles III himself! 

EYFS have enjoyed preparing and celebrating King Charles' Coronation. They have familiarised themselves with our new King. Children found out what a coronation is, what happens during the coronation ceremony and some of the special items involved, such as the crowns, sceptres and orbs. Children were also encouraged to use newly learnt vocabulary associated with the event. 

The children have been learning all about the vicious Vikings and how the invaded Britain in 793AD.

They really enjoyed learning about the Viking raids and discovering what daily life was like for the Anglo-Saxons.

Take a look at our learning journey below.

Year 1 have really enjoyed learning all about Travel and Transport and comparing modes of transport from the past and present. We have looked at famous inventors such as 'The Wright Brothers' who invited the first aeroplane and compared the different types of transport that we had in the past and that we have today. 

Year 1 created their own toy museum using toys from both past and present. They presented the toys on a display in the classroom in chronological order from the oldest to the most modern. We discussed toys from the past and compared them to modern toys looking at their characteristics. 

FS2 children have deepened their understanding of immediate family by remembering and talking about special times in their lives.

"Without education, you're not going anywhere in this world."

Malcolm X                                       

The children in year 5 have been learning about an important figure- Malcolm X.

They researched his early life and family and discovered his inspiration for changing his life when he was older.

FS1 children read the story all about Harriet Tubman. They discussed emotions and sequenced her life events.

Children in FS2 learnt all about Frederick Douglass.

Lot's of interesting facts were discussed and children made a timeline of his life events.

The King Is Coming To Doncaster!

Doncaster is to be honoured with a visit from Their Majesties the King and The Queen Consort on Wednesday November 9 to confer city status on the borough.

This wonderful news will also be available on the royal website - https://www.royal.uk/king-and-queen-consort

 You can follow MyDoncaster social media channels which will share the good news and further public information.

The children really enjoyed learning all about the Anglo-Saxons and Scots in their first history topic of the year!

From discovering the initial invasion of Angles and Saxons, to becoming historians and investigating primary sources, the children were able to discuss their learning and display it in wonderful, creative ways.

Take a look at their fantastic work below.

Year 6 have really enjoyed being creative when presenting their work about Ancient Egypt.

Reception children looked at the historic day when Princess Elizabeth formly became Queen Elizabeth II. We looked at photographs taken on the day of her Coronation - 2nd June 1953. We made a crown, flags and 'God Save our Queen' banner to use to role play our very own Coronation. Children were introduced to sketching and tried really hard to study the face of the Queen. We wrote a prayer together and we looked at coins, making observations and noticing that they all had the Queens head on one side.  

EYFS dressed in red, white and blue. They also painted a half portrait of the queen using appropriate colours and used their fine motor skills to cut and make a life cycle of the Queen.

Parents, carers, grandparents, aunties, uncles and family friends turned out in volume to support and celebrate with their children. All relatives enjoyed an afternoon tea and then settled for a treat, and what a they were in for. The children performed songs through the decades:

EYFS The Jubilee Song

1950s  Year 6 We’ll Meet again

1960s Year 5 Dancing in the street

1970s Year 2 Dancing Queen – ABBA

1980s Year 1 We are the champions by Queen
1990s Year 4 Wonderwall – Oasis

2000 Year 3 Sing, Gary Barlow and the Commonwealth Band feat. The Military Wives

By the end of the celebrations, everyone was on their feet singing and dancing. What a great way to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee and to finish half term.

Holy Family children enjoying a picnic lunch and old fashioned games to start the Jubilee Celebrations.

Year 5- Baghdad and the Middle East

Year 5 have been learning all about the history of Baghdad and the Middle East. From how it was created, to the end of the Islamic Empire, we have been exploring the culture, academia and religion of this beautiful city.

Take a look at some of the wonderful pictures of our classroom, our books and our work and we can't wait to share our finished journey.

This half term, the children in year 4 are learning all about the Maya Civilization in Topic. The children have been really interested in this topic so far and have learnt lots already. This week in our learning journey, the children learnt about the Maya social hierarchy, different Maya artefacts and looked at different cities where the Maya people lived. 

Year 6 have produced some fantastic work on WWI - learning about how WWI started, who was involved in the war, trench warfare, the role women played during WWI and how WWI ended...

The following video shows Year 6's trip to Eden Camp - what a fantastic day! This was used to enhance our WWII topic where children recorded lots of different facts about different aspects of the war whilst having fun with their friends along the way. Many children commented, "This is the best trip we have ever been on!" 

Year Two really immersed themselves into our topic of dinosaurs. We sketched our own fossils as well as taking on the role of palaeontologists and finding our own fossils. Also, we learnt how to grow a dinosaur and wrote a creative set of instructions so everyone can grow their own dinosaur. We had so much fun and tried new experiences on our topic journey!