History at our School

Why we teach History

At our school, we believe History is essential for helping children understand the past and how it has shaped the world we live in today. It encourages curiosity about people, events, and societies from different periods and places, while helping pupils make connections between the past and the present. Through History, children develop a sense of identity, an understanding of change over time, and an appreciation of the achievements and experiences of those who came before us. It also helps pupils develop critical thinking, questioning, and enquiry skills as they learn to interpret evidence and consider different viewpoints. Our aim is to inspire every child to become a thoughtful, informed, and curious learner of the past.

How we teach History

History is taught progressively from Early Years through Key Stage 2, following the National Curriculum. Lessons include the study of significant events, individuals, and periods in British and world history, as well as learning about changes within living memory and beyond. We use a knowledge- and skills-based approach, revisiting key concepts such as chronology, cause and consequence, similarity and difference, and historical significance, while building complexity over time. Children are encouraged to ask questions, examine sources of evidence, and develop their understanding of how historians learn about the past. Cross-curricular links enrich learning—for example, using history to support literacy, art, and geography topics. We also aim to bring history to life through visits, artefacts, storytelling, and immersive learning experiences.

What we hope children will achieve

●     Have a secure understanding of key historical knowledge, skills, and vocabulary.

●     Be able to place events and periods within a clear chronological framework.

●     Understand how people and events from the past have influenced the present.

●     Develop curiosity and confidence in asking questions about the past.

●     Demonstrate the ability to use evidence and consider different viewpoints.

●     Take pride in their learning and understand that history helps us understand ourselves and the world around us.

Ultimately, we want every child to leave us with a love of History, a curiosity about the past, and the confidence to use their knowledge to make sense of the present and future.