Evidence :
All class teachers have been asked to provide
examples of good practice in History. Most of these are annotated
where appropriate, indicating the context in which the activity
has been set.
Interviews with Staff
I have spoken to all staff in school about
their perceptions of History. I attended team meetings and discussed
training needs with each member of staff.
Quality of Learning
Progress should be demonstrated in understanding
of History and mastery of historical skills
A range of learning skills - acquiring and
recording information
Appropriate Attitudes and Values
Good teaching provides a balance between imparting
information and prompting children to become active enquirers.
Teachers should direct children to historical
sources and instruct them in their use.
Teachers should encourage children to analyse
written sources and compare different accounts of the same events.
Should provide a range of tasks which can be
tackle co-operatively and opportunities for whole class discussion.
Whenever possible
Audit - Spring 1995
Written Evidence Summary
Year 5
Work was received from all the teachers in
Year 5. History themes studied so far have been the Victorians.
Overall I feel pleases with the work produced by Year 5. they
seem to have a strong team approach to the teaching of History
in a practical way. Generally good practical introduction sessions
are being introduced for the children, however the staff seem
to need some input focusing on quality follow up work.
Year 6
Written work was received from all teachers
in Year 6. History themes studied so far have been Ancient Egypt.
It is important to note that Ancient Egypt is a difficult theme
to base an audit around due to lack of primary sources of evidence.
Generally there were some good ideas and ways of introducing ideas,
but follow up written activities weren't varied enough.
As this is a difficult unit to teach, the drama
is an essential part of the theme, following discussions with
the team I was unclear about the success of the drama.
N.B. I will
return to Year 6 following the next History theme - The Tudors.
Year 7
Written work was received from Wendy only.
History themes studied so far have been Native Americans. Due
to the lack of written work for me to analyse, it is fairly difficult
to comment specifically. Generally the Year 7 staff seem to need
more ideas for written history activities which are a little more
imaginative than factual reports and newspaper reports. Some members
of the team would like to use role play more frequently, but would
benefit from showed planning and delivery sessions. All members
of the Year 7 team requested input from me for their next History
theme - Medieval Realms.
Year 8
Written work was received from all the Year 8 staff. History themes studied so far have been The Making of the U.K.
The History themes in this year group are very
content led, therefore much more thought is needed when delivery
difficult concepts to the children. More practical ways of teaching
are needed with more varied forms of follow up written work. There
has been very little use of role p[lay/drama, this needs to be
developed and used more widely.