The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future (Theodore Roosevelt) 

 

Intent

At Burton Pidsea Primary School, we aim to provide a high-quality History curriculum that inspires curiosity about the past and helps pupils understand how historical events have shaped the world in which we live today. We want children to develop a secure understanding of significant events, people and periods in history, and to recognise the causes and consequences of change over time.

Our intention is to equip pupils with the knowledge and disciplinary skills needed to think as historians. Children are encouraged to ask perceptive questions, develop a clear understanding of chronology and evaluate a range of historical sources. Through careful analysis of evidence, they learn to form reasoned interpretations about the past.

As a rural school, we recognise the importance of broadening children’s experiences and exposing them to diverse cultures and historical perspectives. Through their learning, pupils develop an appreciation of local, national and global history, helping them to understand their place within a wider and ever-changing world.

By the time they leave our school, children will have developed the confidence, vocabulary and critical thinking skills needed to continue their study of history and to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Implementation

Our History curriculum is delivered using Kapow Primary mixed-age planning, ensuring full coverage of the National Curriculum and clear progression of knowledge and skills across year groups. The mixed-age structure is carefully sequenced so that children build on prior learning while deepening their understanding of key historical concepts over time.

Lessons are planned in coherent sequences that support children in developing both substantive knowledge and disciplinary skills. Pupils learn to think like historians by asking questions, analysing sources, identifying cause and consequence, recognising change and continuity, and developing an understanding of chronology.

Although History is taught as a discrete subject, meaningful links to other areas of the curriculum are made where appropriate to enrich learning. Wherever possible, we connect learning to children’s own experiences by exploring aspects of personal history and the history of our local area. This helps pupils develop a strong sense of place and understand how their community fits within the wider historical narrative.

Through engaging lessons and a focus on enquiry, children are supported to develop curiosity about the past and a secure understanding of how history has shaped the world in which we live today.

Impact

By the end of their time at Burton Pidsea Primary School, pupils will have developed secure historical knowledge and the skills needed to understand how the world has changed over time. They will have a clear understanding of chronology, key events and significant individuals, and how these have shaped the society in which we live today.

Children will be inspired to explore the past through the study of a range of historical sources. They will confidently ask and answer questions, analyse evidence and communicate their ideas using appropriate historical vocabulary. Through this enquiry-based approach, pupils develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation of different perspectives.

By understanding the past, children are better equipped to make sense of the present and recognise their role in shaping the future — within their own lives, their community and the wider world.

Assessment summaries are used to monitor coverage and identify both achievements and next steps in learning. This ensures clear progression in knowledge and skills across year groups and supports all pupils in achieving their full potential in History.

History Long Term Plan and Progression of Skills

[pdf 313KB]