History

History: Exploring the Past to Understand the Future

History isn't just about memorising dates; it’s about investigating how the world became what it is today. Our goal is to spark your curiosity and teach you how to think like a detective. You’ll learn to look at evidence, ask the right questions, and figure out the "why" behind the biggest events in human history.

Our learning is built around 10 Big Ideas. These are the themes that have shaped the world for thousands of years, including:

• Humankind & Change: How people lived and how things moved forward.

• Power & Hierarchy: Who was in charge, how they got there, and what they did with it.

• Resistance & Democracy: How people fought for their rights and changed the system.

How We Learn

We don’t just read textbooks. We get hands-on with:

• Real Evidence: Exploring sources to see if they tell the whole truth.

• Connections: Seeing how History links to Art, Geography, and Culture.

• Experience: Trips, guest speakers, and special school events that bring the past to life.

The history projects are sequenced to provide a coherent scheme that develops historical knowledge, skills, and enquiry across key concepts like chronology, cause and effect, and significance. The projects align with the national curriculum, presenting rich accounts of British and world history with opportunities for local history and cross-curricular links.

Key Stage 1

In Year A, children begin in Term 1 with Helen Keller - A Life Without Limits, exploring how she inspired the world. In Term 2, they study The Great Fire of London to understand why it was a significant event. In Term 3, they complete Schools Then, Schools Now, comparing Victorian schooling to modern times.

In Year B, Term 1 begins with Flight Through Time, exploring how aviation changed daily life. In Term 2, children study Titanic Tragedy to learn why its sinking is remembered today. In Term 3, schools select either Local History Study, focusing on how the local area changed over the last 100 years, or Age of the Aztecs, examining Aztec civilization.

Lower Key Stage 2

In Year A, children begin Term 1 with From Stone to Iron, studying everyday life in Pre-historic Britain. Term 2 covers Building Britain the Roman Way, exploring what the Romans did for Britain. Term 3 features a Local History Study, examining a significant local event and its impact.

In Year B, Term 1 begins with Invaders and Settlers: The Anglo Saxons, exploring why they came to Britain. In Term 2, children study The Viking Age: Fear from the Sea, learning about Viking life and reputation. In Term 3, they explore Cradles of Civilisation, investigating what helped early civilisations thrive.

Upper Key Stage 2

In Year A, Term 1 begins with Dynamic Dynasties, examining how ancient civilisations with an indepth look at China. Term 2 features Tech Through Time: Inventions that Shaped Us, exploring inventions that changed communication and work. Term 3 focuses on Secrets of the Shang, discovering what ruins reveal about ancient Chinese dynasties.

In Year B, Term 1 covers Hope, Heroes and the Home Front, examining how the Second World War transformed lives. Term 2 focuses on Kingdom of Benin, exploring its role in African history. Term 3 concludes with Our Region’s Growth Story, studying how local industry shaped regional growth.