At Horton Grange Primary School, we view history as a means to understand and explore key events, individuals and societal changes through time. The teaching of history stimulates curiosity about the past, enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills. It provides a unique way to comprehend the world by developing a sense of chronology and the ability to analyse cause and effect, significance and the similarities and differences between historical periods. Pupils are taught to inquire and evaluate evidence, fostering a deep understanding of historical events and their impact on modern society.

The use of the Maestro Sequenced Curriculum ensures our history lessons are well-structured, enabling pupils to gain practical knowledge (understanding methods of historical inquiry), theoretical knowledge (key events, periods, and individuals) and disciplinary knowledge (how history is studied and discussed). By the end of each year, pupils develop a coherent understanding of historical concepts and skills aligned with the national curriculum.

EYFS

The history curriculum begins as soon as the children start school in Early Years. Learning in history links to the EYFS Statutory Educational Programme: Understanding the world. The activities and enhanced provision in our early years’ curriculum provide opportunities for children to explore images and share stories that introduce them to people and events from the past and compare them with their own lives. Projects such as Me and My Community, Once Upon a Time, Long Ago and Beach include activities that support children to explore life in the past and discuss how they have changed since they were babies. They are introduced to vocabulary related to the passage of time, and they put events in order.

Key Stage 1

In Year 1, pupils explore the project Childhood, focusing on family history and events within living memory. This provides an introductory framework for understanding personal and local history. In the summer term, they study School Days, comparing modern schooling with the Victorian era. Year 2 expands pupils' horizons with the Movers and Shakers project, exploring significant historical figures and their contributions to society. The year concludes with Magnificent Monarchs, introducing the concepts of power and monarchy, laying the groundwork for more complex topics in Key Stage 2.

Lower Key Stage 2

In Year 3, pupils begin with Through the Ages, studying the chronology of British history from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. In the summer, the Emperors and Empires project covers the Roman Empire and its influence on Britain. Year 4 continues with Invasion, covering the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings up to 1066, followed by Ancient Civilisations in the summer, which examines ancient Sumer, the Indus Valley, and ancient Egypt.

Upper Key Stage 2

Year 5 delves into Dynamic Dynasties, an in-depth study of ancient China and Groundbreaking Greeks, exploring ancient Greece's legacy. Year 6 tackle complex historical themes in Maafa, examining African kingdoms and the transatlantic slave trade. The year concludes with Britain at War, focusing on the impact of the World Wars on Britain.

Throughout the history curriculum, pupils are exposed to a rich array of historical periods and concepts, providing comprehensive coverage of the national curriculum. Projects are sequenced to create meaningful connections, such as teaching Dynamic Dynasties alongside the art project Taotie, enhancing pupils' understanding of ancient Chinese culture.