History

‘A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.’ Marcus Garvey

Intent

At Bretherton Endowed Church of England Primary School, we aim to inspire children's curiosity about the past and help them understand how people, events and developments have shaped the world in which we live.

Our History curriculum develops children's knowledge of local, British and world history, building their understanding of chronology and important historical concepts, including change and continuity, cause and consequence, similarity and difference, and significance.

We want children to think and work as historians: asking questions, investigating historical evidence, considering different interpretations and communicating their understanding. Through carefully selected topics and significant individuals, children develop an appreciation of the diversity of people's lives and experiences throughout history.

Implementation

History is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum, beginning in Reception with the EYFS area of Understanding the World and progressing through Key Stages 1 and 2. Our mixed-age classes follow a two-year cycle, with Year 6 following an annual programme.

Each unit of work is organised around a historical enquiry question and clearly identified key learning. Historical knowledge and skills are developed progressively, with opportunities to revisit and build upon previous learning.

Lessons use a range of approaches, including historical sources, artefacts, photographs, stories, discussion, practical investigations, visits and visitors. Local history is an important feature of our curriculum, helping children make meaningful connections between the past and their own community.

Teaching is adapted to ensure that all children can access the curriculum and are appropriately challenged. Teachers assess understanding through questioning, discussion, observation and children's work, using this information to inform future teaching.

Impact

By the time children leave Bretherton Endowed, we aim for them to:

• Have a secure understanding of the key people, events and periods studied, and how these fit within a chronological framework.

• Understand how the past has influenced life today, making connections between local, British and world history.

• Use historical sources to ask questions, draw conclusions and support their ideas with evidence.

• Explain historical change, continuity, causes, consequences, similarities, differences and significance using appropriate vocabulary.

• Demonstrate curiosity, enthusiasm and respect for the diverse experiences of people in the past.

The impact of our History curriculum is evaluated through children's learning, their work, pupil voice and ongoing monitoring, helping us to identify strengths and areas for further development.

Subject Leader: Mrs R Gardiner

Actions 2026-2027

Our priority this year is to evaluate the strengths of our current curriculum and identify areas for further development. 

Resources will be identified and purchased where necessary to support staff to deliver the history curriculum. 

We will further develop our use of adaptive teaching strategies in history to meet the needs of all pupils and ensure sufficient levels of challenge for all. 

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