History Curriculum Statement

Intent

At Healey Junior, Infant and Nursery School, we believe that History helps learners understand the world they live in and their place within it. Through the study of the past, learners develop a deeper understanding of how societies, communities and individuals have shaped the world today.

Our History curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking and a lifelong interest in the past. We teach History in line with the National Curriculum, providing learners with a coherent and progressive understanding of local, national and international history. Through the development of substantive knowledge and disciplinary skills, learners are encouraged to think like historians by questioning evidence, considering different viewpoints and making informed judgements about the past.

We aim for all learners to:

• Develop a secure chronological understanding of significant events, periods and civilisations.
• Understand how the past has shaped modern Britain and the wider world.
• Explore the achievements, experiences and contributions of diverse people and cultures throughout history.
• Develop historical enquiry skills through questioning, investigation and the evaluation of evidence.
• Understand that historical interpretations may differ and that history can be viewed from multiple perspectives.
• Make meaningful connections between local, national and global events.
• Acquire and apply rich historical vocabulary.
• Develop a sense of identity, belonging and pride in their local community and heritage.
• Understand how historical events continue to influence society today.
• Become confident, reflective and inquisitive learners who are well prepared for further historical study.

Through our ambitious and carefully sequenced curriculum, learners will know more, remember more and be able to do more as they progress through school.

Progression Through School

In the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, learners begin to develop an understanding of chronology by recognising that events occurred before their own lifetime. They explore the concepts of past and present and begin to understand how lives have changed over time.

In Lower Key Stage 2, learners develop a broader understanding of British history and begin to explore how individuals, societies and civilisations have influenced historical change. They make connections between different periods and develop a growing understanding of cause and consequence.

In Upper Key Stage 2, learners deepen their understanding of significant historical themes, events and civilisations. They consider different historical interpretations, analyse evidence critically and explore how events at local, national and international levels are interconnected.

Ultimately, we want learners to understand how history relates to their own lives and communities. We encourage them to ask meaningful questions such as:

• How has the past shaped the world I live in today?
• How have people and events influenced my community?
• What can we learn from the experiences of those who lived before us?

By developing historical knowledge and enquiry skills, learners are equipped to answer these questions and become informed citizens of the future.

Implementation

History is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that ensures progression in both knowledge and disciplinary skills across all year groups. Learning is planned to build upon prior knowledge, enabling learners to revisit, strengthen and deepen their understanding over time.

The curriculum combines discrete History teaching with meaningful cross-curricular opportunities where appropriate. Teachers use high-quality resources, historical sources, artefacts, texts, visits and enrichment experiences to bring history to life and engage learners in meaningful enquiry.

Historical periods are taught largely in chronological order, enabling learners to develop a secure understanding of historical sequence and change over time. Chronology is revisited throughout the curriculum to strengthen learners' understanding of where significant events and civilisations fit within the broader historical narrative.

A strong emphasis is placed on local history. Each year group studies an aspect of local history, enabling learners to develop a sense of place and understand the historical significance of their local community. These studies help learners recognise the impact of history on their everyday lives and foster pride in their local heritage.

The curriculum provides opportunities for learners to:

• Develop chronological understanding.
• Investigate historical sources and evidence.
• Ask and answer historical questions.
• Explore cause and consequence.
• Identify similarities and differences across periods of time.
• Understand continuity and change.
• Consider historical significance.
• Analyse different interpretations of historical events.
• Communicate historical understanding using appropriate vocabulary.

Teaching approaches evolve as learners progress through school.

In Key Stage 1, learning is highly practical and experiential, making use of artefacts, storytelling, role play, educational visits and visual resources to develop historical understanding.

In Lower Key Stage 2, learners continue to build chronological knowledge while developing their ability to make connections between historical events and periods. Guest speakers, local experts and educational visits further enrich learning experiences.

In Upper Key Stage 2, learners undertake increasingly independent historical enquiries. They analyse evidence, compare historical interpretations and explore wider historical themes such as migration, industry, conflict and societal change.

The curriculum also ensures that learners study a diverse range of civilisations and cultures, enabling them to develop a broader understanding of world history and appreciate the contributions of different societies throughout time.

Teachers use ongoing assessment, retrieval practice and questioning to identify misconceptions, strengthen long-term memory and ensure that learners retain and apply historical knowledge effectively.

Impact

The impact of our History curriculum is reflected in learners' knowledge, curiosity and ability to think critically about the past.

As learners progress through Healey, they develop a secure understanding of chronology, historical concepts and significant events. They become increasingly confident in using historical evidence, evaluating interpretations and communicating their understanding using appropriate historical vocabulary.

By the end of Key Stage 2, learners will:

• Demonstrate secure knowledge of key historical periods, events and civilisations.
• Understand how local, national and global histories are interconnected.
• Use historical enquiry skills confidently and independently.
• Analyse and evaluate historical evidence from a range of sources.
• Recognise that historical interpretations may differ.
• Explain continuity, change, cause and consequence across different periods.
• Appreciate the diversity of human experiences throughout history.
• Understand how the past continues to shape the present.

Our learners leave Healey with a strong sense of identity, community and belonging. They understand the significance of their local area within the wider historical context and are equipped with the knowledge, skills and curiosity needed for further study at secondary school and beyond.

The effectiveness of the History curriculum is monitored through lesson visits, work scrutiny, learner voice, assessment analysis and curriculum reviews. These processes support continuous improvement and ensure that all learners receive a high-quality history education.

History in the Early Years Foundation Stage

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, historical learning is primarily developed through the area of learning known as Understanding the World. Learners begin to develop an awareness of the past through their own experiences, family histories, stories and discussions about change over time.

Learners explore how they have grown and changed and begin to understand that events occurred before they were born. Through stories, celebrations and significant events, they are introduced to concepts such as the past, present and the passage of time.

Opportunities are provided for learners to discuss their families, communities and experiences, helping them to recognise similarities and differences between themselves and others. Stories, photographs, artefacts and role play support learners in developing an understanding of how life may have been different in the past.

Through carefully planned experiences, learners begin to develop the curiosity, questioning skills and sense of wonder that underpin future historical learning. These early foundations support learners in becoming thoughtful, reflective and inquisitive historians as they move into Key Stage 1.

By the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, learners have developed an emerging understanding of chronology, change and the concept of the past, providing strong foundations for future learning in History.

The Lead Teacher for History is Mrs. Carroll.