History helps students understand how the world around them has been shaped by the past. Our curriculum develops both historical knowledge and historical thinking, enabling students to explore significant people, events and ideas from local, British and world history. Through carefully sequenced learning, students build a rich understanding of change, continuity, cause and consequence, helping them become informed, thoughtful and responsible citizens. We teach history to develop curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper appreciation of different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. 

Lessons are designed around clear enquiry questions and carefully sequenced knowledge. Students revisit key ideas regularly through retrieval activities, timelines and low-stakes quizzes, helping them to remember more over time. Teachers use questioning, modelling and guided practice to develop both subject knowledge and disciplinary skills, ensuring all students can successfully access and engage with historical learning. 

History lessons provide a respectful environment where all viewpoints can be explored appropriately, and evidence-based discussion is actively encouraged. Students learn about diverse individuals, cultures and experiences across different periods of history, helping them develop empathy and understanding. Consistent classroom routines and high expectations create a positive learning environment where students feel confident to contribute and ask questions. 

We provide multiple opportunities for students to experience success through carefully scaffolded activities, regular feedback and adaptive teaching. Historical concepts are broken down into manageable steps, and students are supported to build confidence as they develop their knowledge and skills. Educational visits, enrichment opportunities and engaging historical enquiries help students connect their learning to the wider world. 

History develops highly transferable skills that are valued by employers, including research, analysis, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking. Students explore careers linked to history such as teaching, law, journalism, archaeology, museum and heritage work, politics, civil service, business, policing and public services.  

History promotes our core values by encouraging students to be curious, resilient and reflective learners. Through studying past societies and individuals, students develop respect, tolerance, empathy and an understanding of what diversity truly means. Students learn the importance of responsibility, leadership and informed decision-making by examining the choices people made throughout history and their consequences. 

Literacy is at the heart of history. Students regularly read challenging texts, develop subject-specific vocabulary, construct arguments, analyse sources and produce extended written responses. Numeracy skills are developed through the interpretation of timelines, dates, statistics, graphs, charts and historical data, helping students understand patterns, trends and change over time. 

History is taught through enquiry-based learning, where students investigate key questions about the past. Learning is carefully sequenced to build knowledge chronologically and thematically. Students study a range of historical evidence, sources and interpretations, allowing them to think critically about how history is constructed while developing a secure understanding of significant events and concepts while constantly linking it to our modern-day world. 

Progress is secured through regular retrieval practice, clear modelling, purposeful questioning and opportunities to apply learning. Knowledge and skills are revisited throughout the curriculum so that students deepen their understanding over time. Lessons are adapted to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring everyone can access and succeed in the curriculum. 

Teachers continually assess understanding through questioning, discussion, quizzes, retrieval tasks, exit tickets and classroom activities. These strategies identify misconceptions quickly and allow teaching to be adapted to support student learning to ensure progress is made.  

Learning is carefully structured with clear explanations, teacher modelling, guided practice and targeted support for individuals. Resources such as writing frames, vocabulary support, timelines and historical models help students access challenging content. As confidence grows, support is gradually reduced so students become increasingly independent historians. 

Students receive regular verbal and written feedback that identifies strengths and next steps within and after the lesson. Teachers use assessment outcomes, classwork and discussions to guide improvement. Students are encouraged to reflect on feedback and respond through dedicated improvement activities. 

Success means every student leaves the lesson knowing more, remembering more and being able to do more than before. Students confidently use historical knowledge, apply key concepts such as causation, significance and interpretation, and communicate their ideas effectively, as well as being able to analyse key sources for their reliability.  

History equips students with an understanding of the world, the ability to evaluate information critically and the confidence to question and investigate evidence. These skills remain valuable throughout life, helping students become informed citizens who can engage thoughtfully with current issues, understand different perspectives and continue learning beyond the classroom.