“If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree. ” ― Michael Crichton

History fires pupils’ curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world. Pupils consider how the past influences the present, what past societies were like and what beliefs & cultures influenced people’s actions. A high-quality history education will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of the past and that of the wider world. Our history aims to inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. Our teaching encourages pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. We aim to help pupils understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and the relationships between different groups, as well as exploring their own identity and the challenges of their time. The children should know and understand the history of our world as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to present day: how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world. They are expected to understand historical concepts and use them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends, frame historically-valid questions and create their own structured accounts.  

Learning to make a world of difference.

Lessons build on prior learning and teachers support children to learn and remember more through:  

• A knowledge organiser which outlines knowledge (including vocabulary) all children must 

master;  

• A focus on chronology, with children aware of a clear timeline of historical events as they  progress through the school; 
• A cycle of lessons for each topic, which carefully plan for progression and depth;  
• A low stakes test or quiz weekly to support learners’ ability to block learning and increase  space in the working memory;
• Elaborative questioning to challenge pupils to apply their learning in a range of ways;  
• Trips and visits from experts who will enhance the learning experience; 
• Opportunities to access a range of quality and inspiring historical artefacts and resources.

History provides identity; improves our decision making and judgment; and shows us models of good and responsible citizenship.  It teaches us how to learn from the mistakes of others; helps us understand change and societal development; and provides us a context from which to understand ourselves and others.