History

Intent

At Becket Primary School, our History curriculum is designed to ignite pupils’ curiosity, encourages questioning about the past and develop their understanding of the chronology of significant events, people, and periods that have shaped life in Britain and across the wider world. We begin this journey in the Early Years Foundation Stage, where children are supported to achieve the Early Learning Goals related to Past and Present and People, Culture and Communities. Children are encouraged to talk about the lives of people around them and their roles in society, notice changes over time in their own lives and families, and explore similarities and differences between different communities and traditions.

The curriculum builds from these foundations by encouraging listening and speaking through storytelling, discussion, and questioning. In the Early Years, children develop their understanding through shared experiences, imaginative role-play, and expressive arts—laying the groundwork for Being Imaginative and Expressive. These elements foster a love of history and promote language development, enabling children to begin to communicate their ideas clearly and confidently.

As pupils progress through Key Stages 1 and 2, they build on these foundations through a clear progression of historical skills: Chronological Understanding, Knowledge and Interpretation, and Historical Enquiry. Children learn to use a variety of primary and secondary sources to investigate the past, developing critical thinking and evaluative skills. Whenever possible, links are made to our local area, helping pupils place historical learning in a meaningful and relatable context.

Enrichment opportunities, such as educational visits, further enhance children’s understanding of how people lived in the past and how events have shaped modern life. Our curriculum aims to instil a sense of historical perspective, so pupils understand that our society has evolved over time, that it is influenced by a range of cultures and communities, and that it continues to change.

By the time children leave Becket Primary School, they will have a strong foundation in historical knowledge and skills. They will be equipped to ask perceptive questions, think critically, and draw reasoned conclusions. Most importantly, they will have developed the confidence and curiosity to explore history with imagination, articulate their understanding effectively, and recognise its relevance to the world they live in.

Implementation

History is a core foundation subject within the Historical, Geographical and Social Understanding area of learning. Our curriculum follows the 2014 National Curriculum and is delivered through carefully planned topics that make meaningful links across a range of subjects. This approach allows pupils to apply and develop transferable skills in context. Historical skills and knowledge are progressively built upon each year to ensure clear continuity and progression across the school.

Many topics are introduced with a historical key question that guides the learning journey. Pupils explore this question through enquiry, discussion, and investigation before forming their own conclusions based on the evidence studied.

In the Foundation Stage, historical learning is woven throughout continuous provision activities. Children are encouraged to talk about past and present events in their own lives and the lives of their families. Their interests and ideas are used to shape learning experiences, ensuring engagement and relevance.

History in Key Stages 1 and 2 is delivered through discrete afternoon lessons, enabling pupils to engage in focused and meaningful exploration of significant historical periods, events, and concepts. This approach supports the development of chronological understanding, historical enquiry skills, and an appreciation of the past's impact on the present.

Throughout their historical learning, pupils have opportunities to engage with a range of primary sources, such as artefacts, historical maps, and photographs, alongside digital and online resources. Enrichment experiences including educational trips both within the local area and further afield—help bring history to life and strengthen pupils’ understanding by connecting learning to real-world contexts.

At the end of each academic year, every pupil receives a summative report indicating whether they are below, working towards, secure, or exceeding in both effort and attainment in History.

Impact

By the end of their time at Becket Primary School, our children can confidently talk about the past and explain how history has shaped the world we live in today. They have developed the knowledge, language, and skills to understand key events and people from the history of the United Kingdom and beyond.

Our pupils enjoy exploring how people lived, what they believed, and how their choices influenced the future. They learn to ask thoughtful questions, investigate different sources of evidence, and make links between historical events and modern life.

As children move through the school, their understanding of history grows stronger and more detailed. Each year builds on what they have already learned, helping them to see the bigger picture of how the past connects to the present. By the time they leave Becket Primary, our children are curious, reflective learners who are ready to continue their journey as confident young historians.