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Curriculum  »  History

 

The study of History ignites children’s curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world. It helps children to understand their own identity within a diverse society and to appreciate, understand and discuss the challenges of their time, as well as developing an understanding of the process of historical change. Through finding out about how and why the world, our country, culture and local community have developed over time, children understand how the past influences the present. The study of History inspires children’s curiosity, encourages them to ask critical questions and enables them to have a better understanding of the society in which they live and that of the wider world.

 

Our History curriculum is taught through a number of strands which recur each year and which enable all children to acquire knowledge and skills, as children progress through school:
 

●     A long, long time ago: a study of ancient history and significant past events.

●     Big history: a study of historical subjects over time with a focus on historical inquiry.

●     Historical theme: a focus on a specific historical theme.
 

Through revisiting these themes, year-on-year, pupils are able to build on their prior knowledge and make links between different historical time periods and events. Throughout these themes children also cover historical concepts - which they revisit  several times on their journey to Year 6. The historical concepts include:
 

Democracy

Conflict

Trade

Monarchy

Empire

Civilisation

Technological Advancements

Settlement

Active Citizenship


Our knowledge rich curriculum allows them to better understand the chronology of the past and how it has helped to shape the present. By the end of year 6, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day. Our curriculum aims to provide all children with a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world which helps to stimulate pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. We encourage children to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement.