History
At Shiremoor Primary School, we have used the National Curriculum as the foundation for creating an ambitious, engaging and knowledge-rich History curriculum. It enables children to develop a deep understanding of the past, exploring the people, events, civilisations and societies that have shaped the world we live in today. Our curriculum encourages pupils to think like historians, developing curiosity about the past, questioning what they know and using evidence to form their own opinions and interpretations.
The curriculum is carefully planned and sequenced from Early Years to Year 6. In EYFS, children begin by developing an understanding of time, change and the distinction between past and present, making connections to their own lives and family histories. In KS1, pupils explore significant people and events, developing an understanding of chronology and how life has changed over time. In KS2, this foundation is built upon through a broad range of historical studies, including the Stone Age, Ancient Egypt, Roman Britain, the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Ancient Greece, the Maya civilisation and the World Wars. These studies provide clear endpoints and progression in disciplinary knowledge (how historians investigate, interpret and understand the past) and substantive knowledge (the historical facts, events, people and concepts they know).
Children are taught to develop key historical skills, including placing events in chronological order, identifying similarities and differences, understanding cause and consequence, recognising change and continuity, and evaluating historical significance. They learn to use a range of sources, including artefacts, photographs, paintings, written accounts and archaeological evidence, to investigate the past and understand how we know what we know. As they progress through school, pupils develop their use of historical vocabulary, including carefully selected Tier 2 and Tier 3 language, enabling them to communicate their understanding with increasing accuracy and confidence.
History at Shiremoor is designed to help children make meaningful connections between different periods, people and events. Learning is interconnected, allowing pupils to revisit and deepen their understanding of key historical themes, including beliefs, settlements, conflict, society, significant individuals and innovation. For example, studies of Roman Britain, the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings allow children to explore successive periods of invasion, settlement and change in Britain. Similarly, learning about monarchs in KS1 provides a foundation for exploring the changing role and power of the monarchy through the Tudor period in Year 4. Comparisons between ancient civilisations in Years 4, 5 and 6 further develop children's understanding of how societies developed and influenced the modern world.
We recognise the vital role History plays in personal development, helping children understand identity, diversity, equality and the society in which they live. Through the study of significant individuals, different cultures, historical conflict and social change, pupils are encouraged to consider different perspectives, challenge assumptions and reflect on how the actions and decisions of people in the past have shaped the present. Our local context is also important, with opportunities to explore the historical significance of the North East, including Roman Britain and the legacy of Hadrian's Wall.
Our History curriculum is supported by carefully identified key knowledge and learning challenges, captured through our 'sticky facts'. These provide clear expectations of what children should know and remember, while opportunities for recap and extension help to secure prior learning and deepen understanding. This approach ensures that knowledge is revisited, connected and built upon as children move through school.
Our History curriculum helps children to develop not only a secure knowledge of the past, but also the critical thinking, curiosity and perspective needed to make sense of the present. We want our pupils to leave Shiremoor as knowledgeable, reflective and questioning individuals who understand that the past has shaped the world they live in and that their own actions will help shape its future.