History
At Monkspath School, our history curriculum helps children make sense of the past and understand how it shapes the present. We aim to foster curiosity, critical thinking and a deep appreciation of the complexity and diversity of human societies. Our curriculum is rooted in the National Curriculum for History.
What We Teach
Children study a broad range of historical periods and themes, including:
- Significant events and individuals in British history.
- Ancient civilisations and non-European societies.
- Key concepts such as empire, civilisation, monarchy, and democracy.
Pupils develop chronological understanding, historical vocabulary and the ability to ask and answer thoughtful questions. They learn to interpret sources, understand cause and consequence, and explore continuity and change across time.
How We Teach
History is taught through engaging, well-sequenced lessons that:
- Build secure knowledge over time using timelines, enquiry questions, and rich narratives.
- Encourage discussion, debate, and critical thinking.
- Use a variety of sources including artefacts, texts, images, and oral histories.
We make meaningful links with other subjects and provide opportunities for local history studies and visits.
What Children Learn and How We Assess
Children gain a coherent understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. They learn to:
- Use historical terms accurately.
- Make connections across periods and themes.
- Develop structured accounts and explanations.
Assessment is ongoing and includes:
- Questioning and discussion during lessons.
- End-of-unit tasks and knowledge checks, for example through PoP tasks.
- Pupil voice and work scrutiny to monitor progression.
This ensures that all pupils are developing secure historical knowledge and skills, and are well-prepared for future learning.
Key curriculum information
Years 1-6 Progression Framework