History helps pupils understand how the past has shaped the world they live in today. At Churcham Primary School, we believe that learning about significant events, people and civilisations enables children to make sense of their own lives, ask thoughtful questions and develop curiosity about how societies change over time.
Our curriculum encourages pupils to explore their locality, understand Britain’s past and make meaningful connections with the wider world. Through engaging, well‑structured lessons, pupils become confident historians who think critically, weigh evidence and develop perspective and judgement.
Our History curriculum provides high‑quality learning experiences that make full use of local resources and wider historical contexts. Pupils develop a deep understanding of the history of their locality and how it connects to national and global narratives.
We aim for pupils to:
Gain coherent knowledge of Britain’s past and the wider world
Understand the complexity of people’s lives and the process of change
Explore diversity within societies and relationships between different groups
Ask perceptive questions and think critically about evidence
Develop perspective, judgement and historical reasoning
Build a secure chronological understanding from the Stone Age to the present day
Feel heard, respected and supported to succeed in historical enquiry
Topics are informed by the National Curriculum and taught on a two‑year rolling programme in KS1 and a four‑year rolling programme in KS2, ensuring progression and breadth.
History at Churcham is designed to be engaging, enquiry‑driven and rooted in curiosity. Teachers ensure that key knowledge and skills for each year group are covered through well‑planned topics.
By the end of Year 6, pupils will:
Have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to modern times
Draw comparisons and make connections between different periods
Understand how historical events relate to their own lives
Recognise significant individuals, civilisations and turning points
Use historical vocabulary confidently and accurately
The local area is fully utilised, with strong emphasis on people, places and community heritage.
We use Grammarsaurus as our History scheme, providing clear units of work that ensure full National Curriculum coverage and a balance of written and practical activities.
A wide variety of teaching methods are used, including:
Written tasks
Practical activities and artefact exploration
Hands‑on enquiry
Storytelling and drama
Visual resources and PowerPoints
Discussion and questioning
Opportunities to explore real historical sources
Teachers ensure a balance of written, practical and verbal learning to strengthen speaking and listening skills.
Quality first teaching adapted for all learners
Active, engaged pupils in a curiosity‑driven environment
High‑quality questioning to deepen understanding
Opportunities to apply knowledge practically
Recapping of previous learning and vocabulary
Clear learning objectives shared and revisited
Activities that may span multiple lessons to allow deeper exploration
Plenaries that consolidate new concepts and vocabulary
Our History curriculum is fully adaptable to ensure all pupils can access learning. Support includes:
Opportunities to revisit and consolidate learning
Premade and adapted written resources
Readily available materials
Visual inputs such as PowerPoints
Scaffolded tasks
A mix of written, practical and verbal activities
Correct historical terminology used consistently
Front covers showing learning and concepts for each unit
Accessible, organised resources
Updated working walls and displays
Lesson focus and outcomes shared and referred to throughout
The impact of our History curriculum is monitored through book looks, observations, pupil voice and our assessment platform.
By the end of their time at Churcham, pupils will:
Have a breadth of historical knowledge
Use historical vocabulary confidently
Show curiosity and enthusiasm for learning about the past
Speak openly and proudly about what they have learned
Demonstrate secure understanding of a wide range of concepts
Make connections between different time periods and their own lives
Pupils leave Churcham with a positive attitude towards History and a strong foundation for further study.
History helps pupils:
Understand how the past shapes the present
Explore diverse cultures, societies and civilisations
Develop critical thinking and enquiry skills
Weigh evidence and form reasoned judgements
Build curiosity and fascination about human stories
Reflect on identity, change and continuity
Our curriculum ensures every child becomes a thoughtful, inquisitive and informed historian.