History
Our Vision for History
At St. John with St. Michael’s CE Primary School, we believe History helps children understand who they are, where they come from and how the world they live in has been shaped. Through an engaging and enquiry-led History curriculum, pupils develop a curiosity about the past and an understanding of how people’s lives have changed over time.
Rooted in our Christian values, History encourages pupils to reflect on fairness, courage, compassion and responsibility, helping them to learn from the past and apply these lessons to the present.
Why History Matters
History enables children to develop a secure understanding of chronology, cause and consequence, similarity and difference, and change and continuity. It supports pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence and form their own judgements.
Through History, pupils:
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Develop a strong sense of identity and belonging
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Learn to respect different cultures and beliefs
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Understand how the past influences the present
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Build skills in enquiry, analysis and communication
Link to the National Curriculum
Our History curriculum is fully aligned with the National Curriculum for England, which aims to ensure that all pupils:
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Know and understand the history of Britain as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day
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Understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world, including ancient civilisations and global societies
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Gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts
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Use historical enquiry skills, including asking questions, analysing sources and evaluating interpretations
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Understand key historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity and difference, and significance
(Based on the National Curriculum for England – History)
What Pupils Learn
Our History curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills over time.
In EYFS, children:
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Begin to understand the concept of time
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Talk about past and present events in their own lives
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Learn about significant people and celebrations
In Key Stage 1, pupils:
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Study changes within living memory
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Learn about significant historical events, people and places
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Develop an understanding of chronology and historical vocabulary
In Key Stage 2, pupils:
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Explore British history from early settlements to modern times
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Study ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Greeks or Romans
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Learn about local history and how it has shaped the community
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Use a range of historical sources to investigate the past
How We Teach History
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Enquiry-Led Learning: Units are structured around key historical questions.
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Use of Sources: Pupils work with artefacts, photographs, documents and accounts to develop interpretation skills.
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Chronological Understanding: Timelines are used consistently to help pupils place events in context.
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Cross-Curricular Links: History is linked with English, Geography and RE to enrich learning.
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Visits and Visitors: Where possible, pupils engage with museums, historical sites and visitors to bring learning to life.
History in Our School Community
History at St. John with St. Michael’s celebrates both our local heritage and the diversity of the wider world. Pupils learn to appreciate different perspectives, understand the impact of historical events and recognise their role in shaping the future. Through this, we aim to develop reflective, informed and respectful citizens.