Our History Curriculum

Why History Matters
History helps children understand the story of humanity—how people lived, what they believed, and how societies have changed over time. It gives pupils a sense of identity and perspective, helping them to see connections between past and present and to understand the complexity of human life.

Our curriculum aims to inspire curiosity and equip pupils with the skills to ask questions, think critically, weigh evidence, and develop informed opinions about the past.

Our Aims

Through our history curriculum, we aim to ensure that all pupils:

• Know and understand Britain’s past and its relationship with the wider world.
• Learn about significant aspects of world history, including ancient civilisations and major historical events.
• Understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, and significance.
• Use historical enquiry skills to interpret evidence and construct informed accounts of the past.

How History is Taught

• Classroom Lessons: Pupils study topics that build chronological understanding and explore themes such as monarchy, society, technology, and culture.
• Historical Enquiry: Children learn to use sources—artefacts, photographs, diaries, and digital resources—to investigate the past.
• Cross-Curricular Links: History connects with subjects like geography, literacy, and art to deepen understanding and make learning meaningful.

Progression Through the School

• Key Stage 1: Pupils explore changes within living memory, significant individuals, and events beyond living memory such as the Great Fire of London.
• Key Stage 2: Children study British history from the Stone Age to the present, as well as ancient civilisations like Egypt and Greece, and non-European societies such as the Maya.

Opportunities Beyond Lessons

• Local history studies and museum visits.
• Themed days and workshops (e.g., Egyptian Day, Tudor Afternoon).
• Links to significant individuals our classrooms are named after, such as Mary Seacole, Marcus Rashford, Malala Yousafzai, and Alan Turing.