History

 

Intent

The History curriculum at Huncote Primary School aims to ignite children’s curiosity about the past, helping them understand how different periods, cultures, significant individuals and key events have shaped the world they live in today. By exploring how and why Britain, the wider world, and the local community have developed over time, pupils gain a strong sense of identity and a secure chronological framework. Our curriculum emphasises the moral purpose of studying History by highlighting the achievements and follies of humankind, encouraging children to compare and contrast eras, reflect on their relevance, and consider how historical developments influence personal choices, attitudes and values. Informed by the National Curriculum, our local context and pupils’ interests, History at Huncote aims to develop deep knowledge, critical thinking and a sustained curiosity, ensuring that by the end of Year 6 children understand the world around them and feel empowered to make a positive difference in the future.

 

Implementation

At Huncote Primary School, History is delivered through a well‑sequenced curriculum that follows the National Curriculum and a clear progression of skills and knowledge. Children build their understanding year by year, beginning in Key Stage 1 with significant historical figures and events, before moving into Lower Key Stage 2 where they study a range of empires and civilisations, exploring their homes, social structures and ways of life. In Upper Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their understanding of social and human interactions by examining themes such as migration, segregation and discrimination. Lessons are carefully structured to build on prior learning, make meaningful links with other subjects, and develop the progressive skills of a historian. Pupils learn to find evidence, weigh it up and form their own conclusions by researching, interpreting primary and secondary sources, and articulating their viewpoints clearly. Opportunities to visit historical sites and meet visitors with real‑life experiences further enrich learning and bring the past to life. Tailored support ensures SEND pupils fully access the curriculum, while regular recall and retrieval activities strengthen long‑term understanding. By the end of Key Stage 2, children develop a secure chronological understanding of Britain from the Stone Age to the present and can confidently make connections across time periods, recognising how past events have shaped the modern world and preparing them with critical thinking skills essential for adult life.

Impact

By the time children leave Huncote Primary School they should have developed:

• A secure knowledge and understanding of people, events and contexts from the historical periods covered.
• The ability to think critically about history and communicate confidently in styles appropriate to a range of audiences.
• The ability to consistently support, evaluate and challenge their own and others’ views using detailed, appropriate and accurate historical evidence derived from a range of sources.
• The ability to think, reflect, debate, discuss and evaluate the past, forming and refining questions and lines of enquiry.
• A passion for history and an enthusiastic engagement in learning, which develops their sense of curiosity about the past and their understanding of how and why people interpret the past in different ways.
• A respect for historical evidence and the ability to make robust and critical use of it to support their explanations and judgements.
• A desire to embrace challenging activities, including opportunities to undertake high-quality research across a range of history topics.

History Progression

You can view our full history Long-Term Plan by clicking the link below:

History