History
Intent
At Leys Primary School, the History curriculum is embedded within our school’s core values and overall curriculum intent. We aim to provide an ambitious and inclusive history curriculum that develops pupils’ understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world, while inspiring curiosity and a lifelong interest in the subject.
Our curriculum has been carefully planned and coherently sequenced to ensure that pupils build knowledge and skills progressively throughout their time at school. Pupils develop an understanding of the most significant changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the present day, alongside key aspects of world history. This enables them to understand how societies have developed over time and how historical events continue to shape the modern world.
The curriculum also prioritises the development of historical enquiry. Pupils are taught to ask perceptive questions, analyse and evaluate evidence, consider different perspectives and form reasoned judgements about the past. Through this approach, pupils develop both substantive historical knowledge (knowledge of events, people and periods) and disciplinary knowledge (how historians investigate and interpret the past).
History at Leys Primary School also supports pupils’ personal development. Strong links are made with PSHE, enabling pupils to explore themes such as empathy, diversity, relationships and equality. By studying a range of historical experiences, cultures and individuals, pupils develop a deeper understanding of identity, community and the complexities of people’s lives in the past and present.
Implementation
History is delivered through a carefully structured and progressive curriculum which ensures that pupils build both knowledge and historical thinking skills over time.
In Key Stage 1, pupils begin developing their chronological understanding by learning about events and significant individuals within living memory and beyond. They begin to understand the concept of the past, recognise similarities and differences between time periods, and start to ask simple historical questions.
This knowledge supports pupils as they move into Key Stage 2, where they deepen their understanding of chronology and develop the ability to compare and contrast different historical periods. Pupils explore the causes and consequences of events, examine how societies have changed over time and consider the impact of historical developments on modern life.
Across the school, pupils are exposed to a wide range of historical sources to support their learning. These include artefacts, primary and secondary sources, images and documents. Through analysing these sources, pupils develop their ability to question, interpret evidence and think critically.
The curriculum is enriched through educational visits, visitors, workshops and themed learning opportunities, allowing pupils to engage with history in meaningful and memorable ways. Cross-curricular links with subjects such as English, Geography and PSHE further support pupils in making connections across their learning.
Throughout the curriculum, pupils explore key historical concepts including:
- chronology
- cause and consequence
- continuity and change
- similarity and difference
- historical significance
These concepts support pupils in developing a deeper and more analytical understanding of history as they progress through the school.
Impact
The impact of our History curriculum is that pupils develop a secure understanding of the past and how it has shaped the present. They leave Leys Primary School with a strong chronological framework of British and world history and a clear understanding of significant events, people and periods.
Pupils are able to think critically about historical evidence, ask thoughtful questions and explain their ideas using appropriate historical vocabulary. They develop an appreciation of the diversity and complexity of societies throughout history and show empathy towards people living in different times and circumstances.
Through their historical learning, pupils gain a deeper understanding of identity, community and the wider world. They are equipped with the knowledge, skills and curiosity needed to continue studying history at secondary school.