History
“Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana
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Our History subject leader is Mr Gregory.
Intent
At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we aim to provide a high-quality History curriculum that inspires pupils with a curiosity and fascination about the past, helping them to understand how history has shaped the world in which we live today. Through the study of British, local and global history, pupils develop a secure understanding of chronology, significant events, influential individuals and civilisations, and the impact they have had on society. We want children to become inquisitive historians who ask thoughtful questions, analyse evidence, draw conclusions and appreciate that history can be interpreted in different ways.
Rooted in our Catholic ethos, our History curriculum promotes respect, dignity and understanding of different cultures, communities and beliefs. Pupils explore how people, societies and civilisations have changed over time, developing an appreciation of diversity and the contributions of individuals and communities throughout history. We seek to inspire a lifelong love of learning by bringing history to life through enquiry, discussion, artefacts, educational visits and the rich history of our local area. Our curriculum is underpinned by the United Curriculum’s vertical concepts of Power, Empire and Democracy; Quest for Knowledge; and Community and Family, enabling children to make meaningful connections across periods of history and deepen their understanding of the world.
Implementation
At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, History is taught through carefully planned and sequenced units that build pupils’ historical knowledge and disciplinary understanding over time. The curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum whilst developing pupils’ understanding of chronology, historical significance, cause and consequence, similarity and difference, change and continuity, and the use of evidence. Lessons begin by placing learning within a clear chronological and geographical context, ensuring pupils can connect new knowledge to what they have learned previously.
History is taught in discrete units throughout the year and alternates with Geography to ensure sufficient depth and coverage. Teachers use high-quality resources, artefacts, photographs, primary and secondary sources, and enquiry-based learning to bring historical periods to life. Opportunities for discussion, debate and extended writing enable pupils to think and write as historians, developing their ability to make reasoned judgements supported by evidence.
Our curriculum is enriched through learning about the history of our local community and by providing opportunities for visits, workshops and experiences that deepen pupils’ historical understanding. History learning reflects our Catholic values by encouraging pupils to consider issues of justice, equality, leadership, community and the impact individuals can have on society.
EYFS
In the Early Years, children begin developing their understanding of the concepts of past, present and future through their own experiences, family history and stories. They explore how their lives have changed over time and compare aspects of life today with those from the past. Through conversations, photographs, artefacts and visitors from the community, children begin to understand that history is about people and events that happened before they were born.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, pupils develop an awareness of the past and begin to understand chronology through the study of changes within living memory, significant events and the lives of notable individuals. They learn to sequence events, use historical vocabulary, identify similarities and differences between periods of time, and ask simple historical questions. Pupils use photographs, artefacts, stories and other sources to investigate the past and begin to understand how historians learn about previous generations.
Key Stage 2
In Key Stage 2, pupils develop a more secure chronological understanding of British, local and world history. They explore significant civilisations, empires, settlements and societies, making connections across different periods and locations. Pupils investigate historical evidence, evaluate sources, consider different interpretations and construct informed responses using historical knowledge. Through the study of themes such as power, knowledge, community and change, pupils develop the skills needed to think critically and understand how the past continues to influence the present day.
Impact
The impact of our History curriculum is that pupils leave St Joseph’s with a secure understanding of the past and an appreciation of how historical events and people have shaped modern society. They develop as confident, inquisitive learners who can think critically, ask questions, analyse evidence and communicate their ideas effectively using appropriate historical vocabulary.
Children demonstrate increasing confidence in making connections across different historical periods and cultures, applying their knowledge through discussion, written work and enquiry activities. They understand chronology, can explain causes and consequences, recognise historical significance and evaluate sources with growing independence.
Progress is measured through formative assessment, quality-first questioning, pupil discussions, retrieval practice, quizzes and scrutiny of pupils’ work. By the time pupils leave St Joseph’s, they are well prepared for the study of History at Key Stage 3 and have developed a lifelong curiosity about the world, its people and its past. Most importantly, they understand how learning from history can help them become informed, responsible citizens who live out our school values within their communities and beyond.
Progression in History
History at St Joseph's
