History

High-quality teaching and learning about history inspires pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past and help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Our history curriculum equips our pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective. Through our teaching of history, we provide opportunities for our children to develop the skill of interpretation, investigation, chronology, cause and effect, significance, perspective, empathy and contestability.

Our intention is to ignite our pupil’s curiosity and interest about the past and to help the children to understand how the past has shaped the place in which they live, and how it will continue to shape it in the future. We want our pupils to see themselves as historians, as archaeologists and researchers and to understand how historical enquiry can help them to better understand the past and help them to engage in reflective thinking and develop informed explanations.

Pupils are taught through a thematic curriculum, with the teaching and learning of history being based on enquiry and interpretation. The curriculum theme is changed each half term to ensure children are exposed to many different history topics throughout their time at our school. The thematic curriculum also extends to the Early Years Foundation Stage and the children are taught history through ‘Knowledge and Understanding of the World.’

The progression of skill and knowledge within history is detailed in the ‘History Mapping and Progression Document’. In order for children to receive a high-quality education, it is essential that teachers build on previous curriculum content to ensure the skills and knowledge being taught are progressive and based on a secure foundation where acquisition of new content can be formed.

We are members of The Historical Association. Professional development, key learning, and research acquired from The Historical Association has informed how we teach history within our federation.