History

Curriculum Statement

Our history curriculum aspires to ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning by engaging pupils in active, enquiry-based experiences. Through this approach, we aim to develop confident historians who possess strong historical skills, a clear understanding of chronology, and deep knowledge of the topics studied. By encouraging pupils to ask meaningful questions, investigate evidence, and think critically about the past, we nurture enquiring minds that can interpret, evaluate, and connect historical events and ideas. Our ultimate goal is to empower learners to appreciate the complexity of history and its relevance to the world today.

Curriculum Planning

At Key Stage 1, the emphasis is on the children learning about how things were in the past in relation to how they are now. They learn about significantly influential past events and people, such as History Makers, Florence Nightingale and Great Explorers. The teachers use a cross-curricular approach and the majority of their literacy work is linked to their topic.

At Key Stage 2, History is taught through a cross-curricular approach. The topics covered are: Local History Study, changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, the Shang Dynasty, the Roman Empire, Ancient Greece, the Mayan Civilisation, the Anglo-Saxons and the Scots, the Vikings, The Battle of Britain and historical cultural diversity, and its impact on the wider world.

There is a strong emphasis on the children understanding the chronology of the events and being able to place the events in historical order using a timeline. Wherever possible, we incorporate visits and visitors to support and enrich the children’s understanding of history.

The children look at sources of evidence (such as photographs, 'artefacts', stories) discussing their validity and examining what it tells us about the particular era of study.

Year 3 on the Town Trail - part of our Local History Study