The study of history allows children to forge an appreciation and understanding of the world that went before them and also contributes towards the development of a child’s understanding of the world in which they live today. By giving children the opportunity to explore and research the actions of people and events of the past, they are, over time, able to develop their own sense of chronology. The teaching of history also enriches children’s natural enquiry skills. It allows them to form questions; seek out facts and information; make assumptions and connections; critically evaluate historical sources and to arrive at reasoned conclusions supported by evidence. Inquiry skills developed through the study of history therefore, can be applied across the wider school curriculum.
Bringing History Alive at Lyonsdown School
Educational visits by all classes take place regularly to a wide variety of historical buildings and sites, and of course, museums – The British Museum being a popular destination. At times, classes may also visit our local museum in Barnet and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
We also invite historians and archaeologists into school to conduct workshops with children or to talk to them about the history of the local area. In assemblies too, pupils bring history to life through the retelling of pivotal events in the history of the British Isles, as well as aspects of ancient world history i.e. the Greeks and Romans. In 2014, Lyonsdown embraced the First World War Centenary year in a variety of ways, most notably in our end of year production: Keep the Home Fires Burning, as well as a week dedicated to the broader exploration of the history of Britain over the last 100 years.
“My favourite lesson at school is history because I find it very interesting. We go on fantastic trips, including the British Museum”
