As Historians we want children to enjoy enquiry, learn from and about the past, who understand chronology and who have the skills to weigh up and interpret evidence. Being critical, curious thinkers who have a sound understanding of the key concepts which run as a thread throughout our curriculum.

In history these key concepts are:

Invasion

Settlement

Kingdom

Invention

Society

We aim to foster an enthusiasm and sense of curiosity about the past.  History is taught through investigation and enquiry. We wish to encourage independent and critical thinking which will foster an understanding of ‘why’ as well as ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘when’ and ‘where’. Lessons are planned so that there is time for discussion and debate, fostering an environment of enquiry which enables children to revise and justify their opinions as well as encouraging children to ask as well as answer questions about history. We believe that History should be an interactive subject which strives to ignite a child’s natural curiosity including through the use of high-quality texts. We look for opportunities for children to investigate, handle artefacts, pictorial evidence, watch historical footage, take part in role play activities, visit relevant sites and museums and where appropriate, experience oral history, engaging with historical characters and ways of life. 

Through developing chronological understanding and the ability to communicate historically children will learn to use enquiry in order to analyse, question and compare sources of evidence including their validity. Through discussion, children will learn to interpret evidence and form views about the past being conscious of bias.  

As a result of learning children will enjoy history and historical enquiry. They will be able to learn about the past and understand themselves. Children will be able to weigh up evidence and form an opinion about events as well as gaining an insight into the chronology of events that have taken place in Britain and the wider world.