The intent of the history curriculum at Brenzett CE Primary school is to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of the past, enabling pupils to develop a coherent knowledge of Britain's history and the wider world. Through our learning, we aim to build an awareness of significant events and individuals in global, British and local history and recognise how things have changed over time. Our intent in the teaching of History is to support children to appreciate the complexity of people’s lives, the diversity of societies and the relationships between different groups. It will also allow our children to appreciate the many reasons why people may behave in the way they do, supporting children to develop empathy for others while providing an opportunity to learn from mankind’s past mistakes. Pupils will build their understanding of chronology in each year group, making connections over periods of time and develop a chronologically-secure knowledge of History.

At Brenzett CE Primary we implement the intent of the history curriculum through careful planning, ensuring that historical knowledge and concepts are taught in a progressive manner, building on prior learning. This includes exposing pupils to a wide variety of historical sources, which may include visits to local museums, historical sites, or engaging with historical artefacts and primary sources in the classroom.

Teachers use high-quality resources to promote pupils’ interest in past events and create opportunities for pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, consider arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. There is a strong focus on vocabulary development, enabling pupils to understand and use a wide range of historical terms fluently. Children learn to make connections between historical events and other subjects, fostering a deeper understanding of the past

As they progress through the school, children will develop their understanding of the following key disciplinary concepts in history:

• Change and continuity

• Cause and consequence

• Similarities and differences

• Historical significance

• Historical interpretations

• Sources of evidence

These concepts will be encountered in different contexts during the study of local, British and world history. Accordingly, children will have varied opportunities to learn how historians use these skills to analyse the past and make judgements. They will confidently develop and use their own historical skill set. As children progress they will create their own historical enquiries to study using sources and the skills they have developed.

Our history curriculum is based on a spiral curriculum model where previous skills and knowledge are returned to and built upon. Lessons are designed to be varied, engaging and hands-on, allowing children to experience the different aspects of an historical enquiry. In each lesson, children will participate in activities involving disciplinary and substantive concepts, developing their knowledge and understanding of Britain’s role in the past and that of the wider world. Children develop their knowledge of concepts and chronology as well as their in-depth knowledge of the context being studied.

Assessment in history plays an integral part to the teaching process, allowing teachers to identify pupils’ strengths and areas for development. Formative assessment will be used to inform future planning and ensure pupils are building on their understanding as they progress through the curriculum.