History

Intent

At St Thomas’, our History curriculum is designed to ignite children’s curiosity about the past. Our intent, when teaching history, is to stimulate the children’s curiosity in order for them to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of the past. We are determined that alongside historical knowledge there will be a high focus on the development of specific historical skills through discrete History lessons to ensure children know more and remember more.

We have carefully designed out History curriculum so that children gain knowledge as they progress through the school. In addition, we recognise the important role that History plays in preparing our children with skills that they can use for life; raising their aspirations, understanding how to be a good and respectable member of the community, understanding change and societal development and a context in which to understand themselves and others. This is extremely important for our children at St Thomas’ in allowing them access to a much wider world.

Pupils are encouraged to think like historians and develop their skills including historical enquiry. There is a strong emphasis on developing children’s other skills such as understanding of chronology, interpretations of evidence, changes within a time and across time periods and cause and consequence.

Our History curriculum covers the skills outlined in the National Curriculum through broad, challenging and inspiring themes. A progression grid carefully builds on prior learning so that children can make sense of the subject. Progression allows for sensible cross curricular links to be made.  Children are given a wide variety of experiences both in the classroom and out. We encourage school visits and visitors into school to enable the children to gain first hand experiences to support their learning.

If you have any more questions about our curriculum, please use the ‘Contact Us’ button at the top of this page.