Discovering the Past
Understanding the Present
Shaping the Future
“The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future” –
Theodore Roosevelt
| Our Curriculum Intent |
At Lingfield Primary School, we provide an engaging History curriculum that catches the attention of all ages. It is a cohesive curriculum that teaches skills and knowledge from Early Years to Year 6. As Historians at Lingfield Primary, children will deepen their understanding of concepts such as continuity and change, similarities and differences and causes and consequences through the following main strands of the curriculum:
- Equality
- People, Places and Events
- Advancements, Impact and Legacies
- Chronology
- Invasion and Empire
There is a close link to Geography, which includes why people settle and how they identify with their surroundings through time. History at Lingfield starts within children’s homes, then links to the local area, and branches out globally. It is a progressive History curriculum with clearly defined expectations of knowledge and skills for each year group, which builds on previous learning.
As they progress through year groups, children will be expected to develop their knowledge of key eras and time periods and their position on a timeline in relation to others. Children order events in time; find differences and similarities; write and talk about the past; use different sources of information; ask and answer questions, with the aim to link ‘then’ with ‘now.’
Our teaching of history will help pupils gain a secure knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Teachers use this curriculum document for history to make comparisons between historical periods previously taught, developing children’s chronological knowledge and understanding from the Stone Age to present day.
We have carefully considered the best way to sequence units of learning to maximise opportunities to build on prior learning and secure understanding of key British history topics by presenting, where possible, historical topics in chronological order through school and have ensured clear progression through a disciplinary approach.
We want children to be curious to know more about the past and to have the skills required to explore their own interests. There are many opportunities for the curriculum to be enriched through museum visits, historical visitors and events held in school. We believe is important for children to develop a sense of identity through learning about the past and to know how history has shaped their own lives.
Through history, we inspire children to:
- Understand how the past has shaped the world we live in today.
- Develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.
- Become curious, questioning and reflective thinkers.
- Explore the achievements, experiences and contributions of diverse people and cultures.
- Learn to investigate evidence, debate ideas and form their own conclusions.
- Appreciate the importance of equality, democracy and human rights.
- Build chronological understanding from ancient times to the modern day.
| Our Curriculum |
| Diverse Stories, Significant People |
Our history curriculum celebrates the rich diversity of the world around us.
Children learn about individuals who demonstrated courage, resilience and determination, including:
- Mary Seacole
- Florence Nightingale
- Walter Tull
- Captain James Cook
- Dr Barnardo
- Queen Victoria
- Winston Churchill
- Significant leaders and innovators from across history
Through these studies, pupils learn that history belongs to everyone and that individuals can make a lasting difference to the world.
History isn’t just about what happened. It’s about understanding how yesterday created today and how today’s choices will shape tomorrow.
Subject Lead – Mrs Gamble
