At St Willibrord’s, History helps pupils understand how people, societies and events have shaped the world in which they live. Pupils develop knowledge of the past while learning to ask questions, examine evidence, consider different interpretations and make connections across periods of history.
Our History curriculum is based principally on Kapow Primary and is organised so that pupils develop increasingly secure chronological knowledge alongside their understanding of significant people, events and civilisations.
Through History, pupils develop their understanding of:
These concepts are revisited across the school so that pupils can apply them with increasing confidence and sophistication.
In Year 1, pupils begin by thinking about their own lives and personal chronology through How am I making history? They explore change over time through How have toys changed? and learn about significant individuals through How have explorers changed the world?
In Year 2, pupils compare past and present through How was school different in the past?, develop their understanding of monarchy through What is a monarch?, and investigate significant developments through How did we learn to fly?
In Year 3, pupils develop their understanding of early British history through Would you prefer to have lived in the Stone Age, Bronze Age or Iron Age? They then study Why did the Romans invade and settle in Britain? before exploring ancient civilisation through What was important to ancient Egyptians?
In Year 4, pupils investigate social change through How have children’s lives changed?, continue their study of British history through What changed in Britain after the Anglo-Saxon invasion?, and explore a non-European civilisation through How did the achievements of the ancient Maya impact their society and beyond?
In Year 5, pupils study the achievements and influence of ancient Greek civilisation, before continuing their study of British history through Were the Vikings raiders, traders or something else? and What was life like in Tudor England?
In Year 6, pupils examine modern British history through What was the impact of World War Two on the people of Britain?, use census evidence to investigate the history of the local area, and explore overlooked historical figures through Unheard Histories: Who should feature on the £10 note?
Chronology is developed progressively throughout the curriculum.
Pupils learn to:
As pupils move through the school, they are increasingly expected to make connections between different periods and use prior knowledge to understand new historical contexts.
Pupils learn that our understanding of the past is constructed from evidence.
They develop increasing confidence in:
Pupils are encouraged to recognise that historians may interpret the same evidence in different ways.
Across the curriculum, pupils develop increasingly secure understanding of important historical concepts, including:
These concepts help pupils move beyond simply recalling events and towards explaining why events happened, how societies changed and why particular people or events matter.
Historical vocabulary is taught explicitly and revisited as pupils progress through the school.
Pupils develop understanding of terms connected with particular periods, as well as broader historical vocabulary such as empire, civilisation, invasion, settlement, monarchy, parliament, migration and society.
Our History curriculum is ambitious for all pupils. Teachers adapt resources, vocabulary, questioning and support where necessary so that pupils can access important historical knowledge and participate successfully in historical enquiry.
Adaptations are made while maintaining the key knowledge, concepts and historical thinking pupils are expected to develop.
Further information about the History units taught in each year group can be found within our Curriculum by Year Group plans.
If you would like further information about our History curriculum, please contact the school.