Our intent is for children to be excited by history and to develop a strong understanding of key events. Children are encouraged to reflect on why they happened and how they have impacted our lives today. We aim for pupils not just to remember facts, but to build on their knowledge year after year through the building of historical skills, deepening their understanding over time. By cultivating curiosity, we encourage children to ask their own meaningful questions about the past and to think critically, like real historians. Pupils study a wide range of topics including ancient civilisations, local history, and significant individuals who have shaped the world. These topics are carefully chosen to provide a broad and inclusive understanding of the past and to encourage children to explore how societies have changed over time. Through regular opportunities to revisit and reinforce learning, and by exploring artefacts and a wide range of historical sources, pupils are empowered to investigate, interpret, and make sense of the past for themselves.

History is implemented through carefully structured, progressive lessons based on the National Curriculum. This approach ensures continuity and progression, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding and make meaningful connections across time periods.

Our lessons encourage pupils to become critical and independent thinkers. Children are taught to use and analyse a variety of primary and secondary sources, to investigate the past. They explore different historical perspectives, engage with stories and drama, and reflect on how historical events and viewpoints influence their own thinking and opinions.

History lessons are organised into focused 4–6 week units that fully immerse children in each topic. Each lesson begins with a review of previous learning - both from last lesson and prior topics - to keep key knowledge fresh and build strong connections over time. 

In EYFS, History is taught through a cross curricular approach using the Development Matters and ELGs as statutory documents. History is taught through practical activities, stories, songs, rhymes, whole class and small group focused tasks. In Nursery, the focus of History is the child`s own history and their family's history, moving on to being able to comment on images of familiar situations in the past and compare and contrast characters from stories.

Learners are supported through a range of tools and strategies, including Communicate to Print software, Talking Tins, carefully scaffolded resources, and utilising partner/peers. To deepen understanding and stimulate curiosity, children are challenged with thoughtful questioning and stretch activities designed to extend their thinking.

We believe understanding and using key vocabulary and chronology is central to History, helping children grasp important concepts and communicate their ideas clearly. Teaching vocabulary alongside content ensures that learning is meaningful and accessible.

A strong focus on chronology helps pupils place events in order and see how history evolves over time. This ongoing awareness of timelines supports deeper understanding and ensures that learning is always developing and building on what came before.

To enrich learning beyond the classroom, pupils have regular opportunities to engage with visitors and participate in trips both within the local area and further afield, helping to bring history to life through real-world experiences. We commemorate Remembrance Day with a focus week and other significant anniversaries (V.E Day, Black History Month) are noted through whole school assemblies and dedicated study time.

Assessment is embedded throughout lessons to support and monitor student learning, progress and understanding. At the start of each lesson, teachers assess prior learning through questioning, retrieval activities and fun quizzes.

Formative assessment is used continuously throughout the lesson using verbal feedback, live marking, and targeted questioning to check for understanding.

Misconceptions are addressed promptly to ensure learning is secure and misconceptions do not continue. Lessons conclude with plenary activities or review tasks that provide opportunities for reflection and self-assessment.

In addition to ongoing formative assessment, summative assessments are used to evaluate learning at key points, including end-of-lesson checks and end of topic activities. These combined approaches ensure that assessment informs both teaching and learning, and supports student progress effectively.

At Kates Hill, we aim to inspire a genuine excitement for history, where children grow into confident, curious, and competent historians. Through carefully sequenced learning across all year groups, pupils build on prior knowledge and develop increasingly sophisticated historical skills year by year.

By the time they leave our school, children will have a strong chronological understanding of key historical events and significant individuals, and how these are interconnected through cause and effect. They will be able to explain how the past has shaped the world we live in today, fostering a deep awareness of continuity and change over time.

Our history curriculum nurtures critical thinking, encourages thoughtful questioning, and empowers pupils to engage meaningfully with the world around them. Ultimately, we prepare learners not only to understand history, but to use it as a tool for shaping a more informed and reflective future.