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History

History is a journey into the narrative of how our world was shaped. We aim to develop the historian within every child—someone who is always willing to change their ideas when new evidence is shown but questions everything along the way.

 

Curriculum

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."

We utilise Mary Myatt's concept of "sticky baskets" to create a spiral curriculum. This ensures that ideas, skills, and events are not taught in isolation but are built upon year-on-year, allowing knowledge to "stick" and progress in depth.

  • Breadth and Depth: We focus on significant moments and specific events rather than trying to cover entire cultures superficially.

  • Vocabulary First: To ensure all learners can access the curriculum, most lessons begin with pre-taught vocabulary.

  • A Journey Through Time: Our students explore the evolution of Britain while simultaneously investigating the wonders of non-western civilisations.

EYFS: Our Foundations

Children begin their historical journey by looking inward, exploring their own families and personal histories. They learn to describe events in detail and recognise the similarities and differences between their lives and the lives of others.

Key Stage 1: Change and Significance

  • Year 1: Investigates significant individuals through the lives of real-life pirates and explores change over time by tracking how our High Street and homes have evolved. 

  • Year 2: Focusses on significant events like the Great Fire of London, tracks the evolution of toys, and studies the long-term impact of pioneers like Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole.

Lower Key Stage 2: Invasions and Civilisations

  • Year 3: Explores the impact of significant individuals such as Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela before diving into the Roman Invasion and the society of Ancient Egypt.

  • Year 4: Investigates the Anglo-Saxon and Viking Invasions, the absolute power of the Tudor Monarchy, and the achievements of world-changing Explorers.

Upper Key Stage 2: Legacy and Conflict

  • Year 5: Focusses on the cultural legacy of Ancient Greece, the transformative Norman Invasion, and the industrial and social changes of the Victorian Era.

  • Year 6: Investigates our earliest origins with the Ancient Britons, the global impact of World War II, and the sophisticated culture of the Mayan Civilisation.

To find out more about our curriculum, please see the overview below.

  1. History Overview
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