History

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At St Mary’s, we believe that a high-quality history education enables pupils to develop a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain's past and that of the wider world. Through engaging and inspiring lessons, we aim to foster curiosity about the past and help children understand how history has shaped the world in which they live today.

Our history curriculum is designed to equip pupils with the skills of enquiry and investigation through developing their substantive and disciplinary knowledge. Children are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, think critically, analyse and interpret evidence, and develop informed judgements about historical events and significant people. By exploring a wide range of sources, pupils learn to evaluate different viewpoints and understand that history can be interpreted in a number of different ways.

Through our history units, we are committed to helping pupils understand the process of change over time, and the diversity of societies and cultures throughout history. Through studying significant figures, events and civilisations, children gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and achievements of people in the past, while developing respect for different perspectives and experiences.

Our history curriculum supports pupils in developing a strong sense of identity and belonging by delving into the past. By learning about local, national and wider history, pupils make meaningful connections between the past and present, enabling them to become knowledgeable, reflective and responsible members of the community, who are prepared for the future.

Through memorable learning experiences, we strive to ignite a lifelong interest in history and inspire pupils to continue exploring, questioning and learning about the world around them.

At our school, we use the Kapow Primary History scheme to support the delivery of a high-quality and engaging history curriculum. Kapow provides full coverage of the National Curriculum and is carefully sequenced to ensure that pupils build their historical knowledge and skills progressively from Early Years through to Year 6.

The scheme promotes an enquiry-based approach to learning, encouraging pupils to think and work like historians. Through carefully planned investigations, children are taught to ask meaningful questions, analyse historical sources, evaluate evidence and draw informed conclusions about the past. This approach develops critical thinking skills and helps pupils gain a deeper understanding of how historical knowledge is constructed.

A key strength of Kapow is its focus on chronology. Pupils develop a secure understanding of historical periods and events through the use of a progressive timeline, enabling them to make connections across different eras and understand how societies have changed over time.

Kapow also ensures that pupils encounter a diverse range of people, civilisations and significant events from local, British and world history. Through this breadth of study, children develop an appreciation of different cultures, perspectives and experiences, helping them to understand both the past and the world they live in today.

By using Kapow, we can provide engaging, knowledge-rich lessons that inspire curiosity, develop historical enquiry skills and encourage pupils to become confident, reflective learners with a genuine interest in history.