HISTORY

School intent statement

To positively influence and support the development of socially, emotionally and academically successful children, who have enthusiastic curiosity and respect for the world.

History intent statement

Our history curriculum aims to provide a coherent, chronological understanding of Britain’s past and the wider world, in line with the National Curriculum. It is designed to develop both substantive knowledge (key facts, events, people and concepts) and disciplinary knowledge (how historians question, interpret evidence and construct understanding). Through this, pupils build a secure sense of chronology, explore key historical concepts such as change, cause and significance, and learn to think critically about the past. We aim for pupils to develop curiosity, cultural awareness and an understanding of how history shapes the present, leaving primary school as knowledgeable and reflective historians.

Implementation:

History teaching at Kingsfleet is creative and skills based. Children are encouraged and supported in the skills of enquiry, analysis, interpretation and problem solving, and helped to understand what it is to think as historians. We place an emphasis on examining historical artefacts and primary sources. In each Key Stage we give children the opportunity either to visit sites of historical significance, or to explore history through immersive role play, drama techniques and debate.

Our history curriculum is carefully sequenced enabling pupils to build a secure understanding of the past over time. Each unit clearly identifies both substantive knowledge (key content and concepts) and disciplinary knowledge (how historians think, question and use evidence). Learning is shaped through enquiry questions, with pupils engaging with a range of sources to develop interpretation and critical thinking. Key vocabulary and concepts are explicitly taught, and regular retrieval practice supports long-term retention. The curriculum is enriched through diverse perspectives, local history and wider experiences.

Impact

The impact of our history curriculum is that pupils leave with a secure and well-organised body of substantive knowledge and the ability to apply disciplinary knowledge when thinking and working as historians. They can confidently place events within a chronological framework, make connections across time periods, and use historical vocabulary accurately. Pupils are able to ask and answer enquiry questions, interpret sources, and recognise that the past can be understood in different ways. They demonstrate curiosity, engagement and increasing independence in their historical thinking. Impact is evidenced through ongoing assessment, pupil discussion, work scrutiny and monitoring.