History
Enrichment in History
History is brought to life at Westacre using a variety of immersive and well planned activities.
In year 5, students have become archaeologists and "dug up" artefacts to start topics, and will have visits from key figures from the Viking period and local history to bring their topics to life.
In year 6, students examine how a diverse range of civilisations survived, and indeed thrived, across time- from Neanderthals to Ancient Egyptians, Shang Dynasty of Ancient China to nomadic tribes which should excite and engage our students to imagine life in different times.
In year 7, treasure hunts and the placing of key events and resources are used to engage the children with their Conflict topic. A visit to the Commandery in Worcester recently highlighted the importance of our local city in the Civil War.
VE Day House Competition
This year marked 80 years since Victory in Europe was declared. As part of Westacre’s commemoration, the children were challenged to use the Commonwealth Graves website to research a local soldier‘s story. We had so many entries from the children for a house competition , with some beautifully researched and presented work to mark their sacrifice.
Well done to all the house winners.
Our highly commended, and winning entry from Lara in Bannister
Year 7 trip to The Commandery, Worcester
Year 7 had an amazing day at The Commandery. We all took part in "Ready for Battle", learning about the preparations for war - how to dress the part and drill practice. We also learnt about the history of the building as a hospital during the war, and how surgery would have taken place. With a geography focus, we walked up to Fort Royal Hill to see where the battle was organised and considered why it was a station. Then we toured the building to learn about key individuals, such as Prince Rupert and Lord Hamilton.
History Man visit
Year 5 were thrilled to have their Anglo Saxon topic brought to life by the History Man in January. They tried on different Anglo Saxon clothing, studied weapons and a variety of artefacts.
Year 7 National Memorial Arboretum visit
As part of their Conflict topic, Year 7 took the opportunity to reflect and pay their respects at the National Memorial Arboretum. Some were invited to take part in a ceremony, giving their history lessons context and meaning and linked to their study of war poetry in expressing their emotions.
Year 6 Greek Day
Year 6 immersed themselves in Ancient Greece for their topic launch, where they were invited to dress up, taste foods similar to those eaten, look at the origins of the Olympics and study the Greek alphabet. They could then make comparisons between then and now, and look for similarities and differences.
History and remembrance
This year, each year group has had an assembly on remembrance and service. We have looked at those people who service our communities, both in the present and the past, and how we can thank them.
Each child has been given a medal and a military record to thank, or some children knew someone in their own community to thank. Medals have been created with messages of thanks and dedication to reflect upon during our assembly on Friday. This will prove to be a very poignant morning as we are taking part in a National Assembly from the Royal British Legion and National Literacy Trust.
Please see the document below for more information about our curriculum intent for History:
Please see the document below for more information about how we support the needs of all learners in History:
Please see the document below for more information about the 'subject traits' we have planned in History that we aim for all our children to leave Westacre being able to do:
Year 5 Brine Baths Project
We are delighted to have been asked by the Save Our Brine Baths (SOBBS) campaign to work alongside them in promoting awareness of Droitwich's rich heritage and their campaign for the return of the brine baths to the town.
Please see the Year 5 Photo Gallery page for weekly updates, and visit the Brine Memories website for our findings and experience of the collection of memories.
https://www.westacre-middle-school.co.uk/year-5-photo-gallery-1/
https://www.brinememories.org.uk/westacre.html
Year 5 2022 visit to Brine Baths
History Learning at Westacre
A concept of time and chronology is key to learning in History - being able to place a specific historical timeframe helps us to make sense of changes and similarities over time. We have been using new timeline tools to order and add facts to:
