History

“The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.” – Theodore Roosevelt

History at Captains Close Primary School

Belonging · Ambition · Equity

History helps pupils understand people, events and societies – and how they shape the world we live in today. Our curriculum builds curiosity, critical thinking and a deep appreciation of diversity, identity and human experience. Pupils learn to ask questions, weigh evidence and develop informed perspectives.

Our approach is shaped by the Discovery Trust DNA and grounded in evidence-informed practice.

Curriculum Intent

Our intent for History is to ensure all pupils:

  • Develop secure chronological understanding.
  • Understand significant events, people and civilisations.
  • Use historical vocabulary confidently.
  • Ask perceptive questions and think critically.
  • Understand how history influences modern life.
  • Recognise diversity across time and place.
  • Experience equity through adaptive teaching.

Curriculum Implementation

We deliver our History curriculum through:

Chronology

  • Timelines
  • Sequencing events.
  • Understanding eras and periods.

Historical Enquiry

  • Asking questions.
  • Using evidence.
  • Making interpretations.
  • Evaluating sources.

Knowledge-Rich Teaching

  • Clear explanations.
  • High-quality modelling.
  • Retrieval practice.
  • Vocabulary instruction.

Progression

  • Long-term map.
  • Chronology progression.
  • Concepts progression (empire, invasion, civilisation, monarchy).
  • Vocabulary progression.

Assessment

  • Concept checks.
  • Written outcomes.
  • Pupil voice.
  • Work scrutiny.
  • End-of-unit reviews.

Curriculum Impact

We measure impact through:

  • Secure historical knowledge.
  • Ability to use evidence.
  • Quality of written and oral explanations.
  • Pupil voice.
  • Assessment information.

Pupils can:

  • Explain historical events clearly.
  • Use accurate vocabulary.
  • Make connections across time periods.
  • Evaluate sources and interpretations.

Protected Characteristics in History

We ensure pupils learn about and respect protected characteristics through:

  • Studying diverse historical figures from different backgrounds.
  • Exploring civil rights movements and equality struggles.
  • Understanding how societies have treated different groups.
  • Challenging stereotypes and historical bias.
  • Ensuring SEND pupils access all historical content.

Examples include:

  • Rosa Parks (race, gender).
  • Alan Turing (sexual orientation, disability).
  • Malala Yousafzai (religion, gender).
  • Mary Seacole (race, gender).

British Values in History

British Values are woven through History lessons:

  • Democracy: Studying the development of parliament and voting.
  • Rule of Law: Understanding legal systems across time.
  • Individual Liberty: Exploring freedom movements.
  • Mutual Respect: Learning about diverse cultures and societies.
  • Tolerance: Understanding different beliefs and worldviews.

Long-Term Curriculum Map

A full long-term map for History can be found here.

Progression Documents

Our progression documents show how knowledge and skills build from EYFS to Year 6:

  • Chronology progression.
  • Concepts progression.
  • Enquiry skills progression.
  • Vocabulary progression.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary is taught explicitly and revisited regularly.

We focus on:

  • Tier 2: academic vocabulary.
  • Tier 3: historical terminology.

SEND & Equity

All pupils access the full History curriculum through:

  • Adaptive teaching.
  • Scaffolding
  • Pre-teaching vocabulary.
  • Visual timelines.
  • Regulation strategies.
  • Personalised resources.

Enrichment & Wider Opportunities

History enrichment includes:

  • Museum visits.
  • Historical workshops.
  • Re-enactment days.
  • Local history studies.
  • Artefact handling.

How to Find Out More

Parents and carers can request further information about our History curriculum by contacting the school office.