History

Our intent at Gulval School in History is

We want to engage and excite all children so that they have a solid foundation and broad understanding of historical concepts linked to some of the most important periods, events, and themes in British and world History.

We provide enriching and memorable experiences so that children are motivated; curious about the history of our local community and the wider world.

We want children to work together, thinking critically as historians, to investigate the past and develop their understanding and knowledge of historical concepts and events.

Through a progressive curriculum, we want children to find out about how and why the world, our country and local community have developed over time and understand how the past influences the present.

We want all children to develop the skills of historical study so that they are confident in their opinions about the past, can give well supported judgements using evidence and communicate these articulately using technical vocabulary. We want them to interpret, ask questions and seek answers about the past.

At Gulval School, our History curriculum inspires children to develop a curiosity about the past and an understanding of how history has shaped the world we live in today. Through the study of significant events, people and civilisations, pupils build a chronological understanding of Britain’s past and the wider world.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced so that historical knowledge and enquiry skills develop progressively from year to year. Children learn to ask questions, analyse evidence, compare different periods and understand how interpretations of history can vary. By revisiting key concepts over time, pupils deepen their understanding of change, continuity, cause and consequence.

By the end of their time at Gulval School, pupils will have developed a secure understanding of the past, an appreciation of how it influences the present, and the skills to think critically about historical evidence and interpretations.

Amazing visitor!

Citrine Class were delighted to welcome a visitor from Penlee House Gallery & Museum. The children learned about museum jobs, how artefacts are cared for, and why some are displayed behind glass. The highlight of the morning was getting…

Bringing History to Life Through Drama

Diamond Class had the pleasure of welcoming two wonderful visitors from the Minack Theatre. It was a truly enriching experience allowing children to discover the fascinating history behind the theatre, while having the opportunity to explore…

Bringing Ancient Rome to Life!

Amethyst Class have loved exploring the story of Ancient Rome through drama and acting! The children worked brilliantly together to act out how Rome changed over time, beginning as a kingdom, becoming a republic and eventually growing into a…

Becoming Explorers 

In History, Ruby Class have been learning all about Tim Peake and finding out how to be explorers. We put this to the test and took part in activities inspired by David Attenborough. We built minibeast homes, learnt about chickens and cows,…

Investigating Life in the Past

Our history lessons took us back to early human life. We explored how houses were created, when farming started, and why people began settling instead of moving from place to place.

The Great Fire of London

This half term, the children have thoroughly enjoyed immersing themselves in our new History unit, The Great Fire of London. They have been fascinated to learn how the fire began and the impact it had on the people and city of London. The children…

Going down the mine!

Topaz Class have loved learning all about mining and the impact on Cornwall. We were lucky enough to have a visit from Clint from Geevor Tin Mine and we are looking forward to visiting next week. The children loved exploring the different mining…

🏛️ Great Greeks, Bright Thinking! 🏛️

Sapphire Class have been full of excitement this half term as we’ve explored the fascinating world of Ancient Greece! Our brilliant Year 6 historians have been linking their prior learning, building timelines to understand chronology and investigating…

Changes to us 

Ruby Class have been learning about how we’ve grown from babies to now. We talked about what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and even had fun guessing each other’s baby photos.

St Michael’s Mount

Topaz Class were lucky enough to have beautiful weather for their visit to St Michael's Mount. We carefully walked across the causeway, heard the story of Cormoroan the Giant, found the giants heart and were then given VIP treatment to go up…

Diamond Class digs into the past!

Diamond Class digs into the past!Diamond Class have been diving into the fascinating world of the Anglo Saxons. We've explored how they settled in Britain, the reasons behind their migration and how their society was structured compared to ours…

Blackouts and Brave Beginnings! 💣🕯️

Year 6 Sapphire Class have been diving into the dramatic world of World War Two in History. We explored the timeline of key events, uncovered the causes behind the conflict and examined its far-reaching effects on different groups of people…

Islamic Civilisation

Diamond Class have now completed their unit on the Islamic civilisation of Baghdad, developing a strong understanding of its historical timeline and the founding of Islam. They particularly enjoyed learning about what the city of Baghdad looked…

The Great Fire!

Citrine have become experts in explaining what within living memory and beyond living memory means. The children have been learning about The Great Fire of London and have been exploring how the fire started and how it spread across the city.…

Greece Lightning! Sapphire Class Discovers the Ancient Greeks

Sapphire Class has been exploring the fascinating world of the Ancient Greeks in History. We have been learning about Greek civilisation and placing key events in chronological order. We have discovered how the Greeks influenced modern democracy,…

Mining in Cornwall

Topaz Class were so lucky to have Clint from Geevor Tin mine visit us at school to teach us all about mining in Cornwall. They loved dressing up like miners and balmaidens and looking at some of the tools and equipment miners would have used.…

Piracy and smuggling

Year 3 have been learning all about smuggling and piracy this half term. We have compared smuggling and piracy and have even learnt about some historical figures tracing back to Penzance!

Why did the Vikings raid, then invade Britain? 🏆

Diamond class have been identifying themes within chronology. We then explored the political and economic struggles of the Anglo Saxons and Vikings. Next, we wonder how the religious struggles impacted their culture?

Awesome Ancient Egyptians!

Year 4 have been busy discovering all about the Ancient Egyptians. We were shocked to discover that the mummification process was far more gruesome than just being wrapped in bandages. If you catch us looking at your nostrils, we are probably…

Local History at it’s finest

Topaz Class have had the best day visiting St Michael's Mount. We loved looking around the castle, learning about local history and learning the story of Cormoran the Giant. We can't wait to continue learning about the history of St Michael's…

St Piran’s Day

Sapphire Class were absolutely amazing today representing our school in the St Piran's Day Parade. Thank you for embracing the St Piran's Day dance with such positive enthusiasm. You smashed it! Memories have been made that will last forever!…
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We’re supporting Ukraine

We have been doing everything we can to raise funds and collect resources to support families in Ukraine. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated cakes to our cake sale, brought teas and coffees from the Lily Pad, made a donation for non-uniform…
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We’ve been underground!

We have had the best day ever! Geevor Tin Mine Museum you are absolutely amazing, thankyou so much. We have learnt so much about how the mine was used and who used to work there. We even spotted some of our relatives photos on the wall. Did…