Inspire • Enrich • Enjoy • Succeed

“The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.”

Theodore Roosevelt

Our History Curriculum aims to inspire our children to want to know more about the past. We aim to develop a sense of curiosity, encouraging our children to question, to evaluate and to think critically. Understanding History helps young people to develop an understanding of the impact of key events and people and how these have shaped the world in which they live.  Developing a deep and secure knowledge and understanding of themes and concepts in the past will enhance and further develop our children's ability to learn new concepts.

Our History intent relates to our whole school intent, including and extending the EYFS Framework 2021 and the National Curriculum Programmes of Study, as well as providing for the unique needs of the children within our Federation family.

It is our intent that by the time children leave our school they will:

• Possess coherent knowledge and a rich understanding of Britain’s past (including local) and that of the wider world, and be enthused to know more;
• Have a secure understanding of the themes of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which generates an interest and insight into how the actions of the past have shaped our world, creating both benefits and problems; and supporting the understanding of the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups;
• Be equipped with skills as historians (including enquiry, thinking critically and interpreting) and possess key knowledge, which is not only transferable across other curriculum areas but will prepare them for their next steps in education and work;
• Be confident to question and debate historical issues.

Learning in History is linked to historical periods which engage and interest our children; these have been carefully chosen to provide links with the history of our school and local area, whilst recognising the cultural and social significance of key events, i.e. Remembrance Day. These historical periods are used to develop chronological knowledge. 

In order to support our children to develop a secure, deeper learning and mastery of key knowledge and skills, historical concepts common to all periods have been identified (i.e. settlement, conflict, and trade, travel and exploration), and are repeatedly studied within each period, enabling children to build upon prior learning, make connections and deepen understanding in future learning. There is a continuous focus upon the knowledge and correct use of a rich and varied vocabulary.

History is taught as a discrete subject, with links in learning being made with other curriculum areas.  In addition, opportunities through wider aspects of school life enhance our History Curriculum and have been carefully planned for.