History Curriculum Statement
Our vision is that the teaching of History gives pupils an understanding of the past on a local, national and international scale, through learning about human achievements, events and experiences.
We will investigate sources such as pictures, stories, writing and artefacts to ask and answer questions about the past and how these impact the world we live in today. We will examine the children's own personal history, allow them to explore topics and engage with subject matter in a variety of mediums. We will enable them develop their sense of chronology throughout the study of topics through EYFS, Key Stage 1 and 2.
We aim to give our children a History Curriculum which enables them to become confident, creative and independent learners. We seek to broaden children's real-life experiences both inside and outside of school through educational visits, visitors, experimentation, exploration and discovery.
We believe that within History lessons, our children acquire a range of knowledge and skills, which they can then apply to other subjects and in a variety of situations.
Key Documents
Subject Enrichment
In-line with the subject's vision, we are proud to offer a wide range of enriching historical experiences that bring learning to life and help children develop a deep understanding of the past. We believe that History should be explored beyond the classroom, allowing pupils to engage with historical events, people and places through memorable, hands-on experiences.
Educational visits play a key role in our History Curriculum. Children have opportunities to visit a range of local and regional historical sites, including: Castlerigg Stone Circle, Wordsworth House, Tullie House Museum, Vindolanda Roman Fort, the Keswick Museum, local castles etc. These visits provide valuable opportunities for pupils to engage directly with historical artefacts, sites and sources, deepening their understanding of the periods they study.
To further enrich learning, pupils enjoy educational performances such as Horrible Histories theatre productions, which bring significant historical events and characters to life in an engaging and memorable way. Children also participate in a range of themed days and special events, including Remembrance Day commemorations, where they learn about the sacrifices made by previous generations and reflect on the importance of remembrance and respect.
History lessons are enhanced through immersive experiences in school, including re-enactments of key historical battles and role-play activities that help pupils understand the experiences of people from the past. We make excellent use of our school grounds and outdoor learning environments to support historical enquiry. For example, children explore hunter-gatherer methods linked to their Stone Age studies, recreate historical scenarios and engage in practical activities that deepen their understanding of how people lived in different periods of History. Some of these opportunities are delivered through our Forest School programme, where outdoor learning provides an authentic context for exploration and discovery.
Our residential visits also strengthen historical understanding, with many including links to significant historical sites, landmarks and events. These experiences allow pupils to make meaningful connections between their classroom learning and the wider world, while developing independence, curiosity and a lifelong interest in history.
Through these rich and varied opportunities, we aim to inspire children to become enthusiastic historians who can investigate the past, think critically about evidence and develop a strong understanding of how History has shaped the world in which we live today.
Book Look: Examples of Work from Across the School
Children record their learning in dedicated History books, where the key knowledge, skills and end points from each unit are clearly evidenced through a range of written work, photographs, historical enquiries, source analysis and reflective and/or challenging activities. This allows pupils to demonstrate their understanding and provides a clear record of progression across the curriculum.
Every classroom also features a dedicated History Working Wall, which showcases key vocabulary, relevant topic knowledge and examples of current learning. These Working Walls support pupils in rapid recall sessions, making connections between different periods of History and developing a deeper understanding of chronology and historical change over time. By providing a visual reference point throughout each unit, the Working Walls help children to build confidence as historians and strengthen their understanding of the topics they study.