In order for children to understand the world they live in today, a deep and holistic understanding of world history is fundamental. Richard Coates CE Primary School’s history curriculum helps pupils to understand the history of the North East of England, set within the context of Britain’s past whilst developing coherent knowledge of the wider world.

Our history curriculum supports our school values and encourages pupils to be courageous advocates and good local and global neighbours. It does this by encouraging children to be critical thinkers and judicious,  ensuring a deep understanding of the past which has shaped the world and society which they live in today. Children are encouraged to reflect on the achievements of significant people: their impact on the world and time they lived as well as why they are still remembered today. What did they do to change the world? Learning about key events locally, nationally and internationally deepen children’s understanding of cause and consequence. History helps pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and the relationships between different groups. It also helps children to understand their own identity and the challenges of today.

As well as learning important Historical knowledge, the history curriculum develops children’s understanding of concepts such as chronology, law, power and democracy, monarchy and society. A range of key skills such as asking questions, thinking critically using evidence to form opinions, recognising bias and points of view and developing perspective and judgement are also taught through the curriculum.

History is taught in every year group and is planned using the National Curriculum objectives and with thought to the progression of knowledge and skills from Early Years to Year 6. There are typically two units in each year group starting with children in reception understanding changes and vocabulary such as before, now and grasping a secure understanding of time and past and present through to thematic studies on early civilizations such as the Kingdom of Benin in Year 6. By the end of their time in primary school, children will have an understanding of world history, cause and consequence and how events and significant people have shaped the world they live in today. Pupils are able to debate historical events, using sources of evidence where appropriate.

We follow the aims of the National Curriculum for History to ensure that children: