History

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Our History Curriculum has been sequenced and mapped deliberately and coherently. Through Rising Stars, we aim to teach high quality, well thought out and knowledge rich lessons that demonstrate progression.

Intent

At Rectory C.E. Primary School, we believe that History should ignite children’s curiosity about the past and equip them with the skills to explore it with confidence and critical thinking. Our enquiry-based curriculum is rooted in the National Curriculum and designed to develop a secure understanding of historical concepts, knowledge, and vocabulary.

We aim to inspire pupils to ask thoughtful questions, investigate a range of sources, and reflect on evidence to form their own interpretations. Through the study of artefacts, primary and secondary sources, and significant events and individuals, children learn to construct arguments, make comparisons, and understand how the past has shaped the present.

Our curriculum supports pupils to:

Develop chronological understanding and historical perspective
Use historical vocabulary to talk and write confidently about the past
Explore diverse cultures, societies, and key turning points in British and world history
Build skills in enquiry, analysis, and critical thinking

By fostering a love of history, we empower our pupils to become reflective, informed individuals who appreciate the complexity of the past and its relevance to today’s world.

Implementation

At Rectory C.E. Primary School, History is taught through weekly sessions every other half term, alternating with Geography. This structure allows for focused, high-quality teaching while ensuring full coverage of the National Curriculum across the year.

We follow the Rising Stars History scheme, which provides a clear progression of knowledge and skills through three carefully selected units per year. Each unit is enquiry-based, encouraging pupils to ask questions, investigate sources, and develop a deeper understanding of the past.

Lessons are designed to:

Build chronological understanding and historical vocabulary
Explore significant events, people, and places in British and world history
Develop skills in interpreting evidence, forming arguments, and making comparisons
Engage pupils through artefacts, stories, and a range of historical sources

This approach ensures that pupils revisit and build on prior learning, developing as thoughtful, reflective historians with a secure understanding of how the past shapes the present.

Impact

At Rectory C.E. Primary School, the impact of our History curriculum is evident in pupils’ ability to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and make connections across time. Through our enquiry-based approach and structured delivery using Rising Stars, children develop a secure understanding of historical events, people, and concepts.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils:

Demonstrate chronological understanding and use historical vocabulary with confidence
Interpret a range of sources and evidence to form balanced conclusions
Make comparisons between past and present, recognising cause and consequence
Express informed opinions and reflect on different perspectives
Show curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring the past

Our pupils leave with the skills and knowledge to engage meaningfully with history, ready to build on their learning in secondary education and beyond.