We are Historians

Intent:
At our school, we want our children to be curious about the past – to enjoy asking questions, hearing stories, and discovering how people lived, worked, and thought in different times. History helps children understand where we’ve come from and how the world around them has changed. We want our children to see that history isn’t just about dates and facts – it’s about real lives, big ideas, and the connections between then and now. Through history, we aim to build thoughtful, questioning learners who can make sense of the past and how it shapes the present.

Implementation:
History begins in the Early Years, where children explore their own personal histories and start to understand the idea of time and change through stories, play and talk. As they move through school, children learn about significant events, people and periods from British and world history in a carefully planned sequence that helps them build knowledge over time. We use a rich mix of storytelling, artefacts, timelines, drama, and visits to bring the past to life. Children are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and explore different sources of evidence, learning that history can be viewed in different ways.

Impact:
By the end of KS2, our children have a strong sense of chronology and can talk with confidence about key events and individuals from the past. They understand that history is full of different perspectives and are beginning to think like historians – questioning sources, spotting patterns, and making thoughtful links across time periods. Most importantly, our children enjoy history. They are fascinated by the people who came before them, and they leave us with a deeper understanding of how the past has shaped their lives today.