History

Intent

The Park Primary School history provision develops a passion for history and an enthusiastic engagement in learning across the year groups. Our pupils will explore the past, developing their own historical curiosity and understanding of why the past can be interpreted in different ways. They will enjoy learning about a range of periods from history, gaining an understanding of a variety of historical concepts and processes. They will learn to challenge their own and other’s views and preconceptions through appropriate and accurate historical enquiry; using a range of sources including quality teaching, trips, visits and themed days. Our curriculum will encourage children to explore topics and themes through methods such as thoughtful discussion, questioning and analysis. As a result of this, Park’s pupils will leave with the skills to understand the complexity of people’s lives and identify themes and patterns through history as well as linking these to the challenges of their time and linking to local history across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Implementation

• Curriculum Sequencing: Enquiries are carefully designed to ensure children are exposed to the critical thinking of a historian.
• Knowledge Organisers: Each unit includes key facts, vocabulary, timelines, and enquiry questions.
• Active Learning: Use artefacts, role-play, storytelling, and local history visits (e.g., museums, heritage sites).
• Cross-Curricular Links: Integrate history with literacy (historical narratives), geography (maps of historical events), and art (historical artefacts).
• Assessment: Low-stakes quizzes, pupil voice interviews, and work scrutiny to track progress.
• Teacher CPD: Regular training on historical enquiry skills and inclusive teaching strategies

Impact

At the end of each year, pupils have gained a deepening understanding of chronology, historical vocabulary and the ways in which the past can be communicated. Their conceptual understanding develops to make links between themes. They are increasingly curious which allows them to debate upon and reflect on their own lines of enquiry and interest areas. Through discussion and feedback, children talk enthusiastically about their history lessons and show a genuine curiosity and interest in the areas they have explored. Pupils can make links between the different themes and recognise the similarities and differences. They know about key events and people as they build an overview of the world. Pupils use acquired vocabulary to interpret and convey their understanding of the past. They can analyse and interpret information, in order to, question and reflect on the legacies. Feedback from moderations, book looks and lesson observations. Most importantly, children are encouraged to think like a historian. They gradually learn the importance of disciplinary knowledge; they understand what an historian is and can identify key historians and their views.
Progression and Skills History