History
Subject Lead: Miss L Thurman
We're incredibly excited about the journey we're embarking on in history here at Coppice Farm Primary, firmly believing in the importance of a robust and engaging history curriculum. It's not just about learning dates and events; it's about understanding the complexities of the past, fostering critical thinking, and cultivating empathy by exploring diverse perspectives. A well-crafted history curriculum provides students with the tools to navigate the present and shape the future. Join me in our quest to inspire young historians and ignite a lifelong love for learning about the past.
Intent
We intend for our History curriculum to build secure, long‑term learning through carefully sequenced knowledge and skills.
Our History curriculum is designed so that pupils build a strong chronological understanding and secure substantive and disciplinary knowledge over time. New content is introduced in small, manageable steps, with regular retrieval practice to strengthen long‑term memory. Teachers model historical thinking explicitly, use systematic questioning and guided practice, and provide scaffolded support to ensure high success rates. This approach develops strength and confidence as pupils learn to weigh evidence, understand cause and consequence, and make informed historical judgements.
We intend for our History curriculum to develop independent, motivated learners.
Through our values of motivation, resilience and creativity, pupils learn to think critically, ask perceptive questions and explore the past with curiosity. Structured opportunities for independent enquiry help children build fluency in using historical vocabulary, sources and interpretations. We teach pupils that challenge is part of learning, celebrating effort and progress as they develop the resilience needed to analyse complex events and form reasoned conclusions.
We intend for our History curriculum to foster unity, cultural awareness and respect for diversity.
History provides rich opportunities for pupils to encounter diverse civilisations, cultures and perspectives from Britain and across the world. By studying significant individuals and communities, pupils learn to appreciate both shared human experiences and the uniqueness of different societies. Our values of unity and compassion underpin this work, helping children challenge stereotypes, understand multiple viewpoints and develop empathy as informed, respectful citizens.
We intend for our History curriculum to be inclusive and ensure all children can access and excel.
We believe all pupils can succeed in History. High‑quality first teaching, careful attention to cognitive load and regular checks for understanding ensure that every child — including those with SEND and those who are disadvantaged — can engage meaningfully with historical content. Through positivity and high expectations, we remove barriers and provide the support needed for all learners to build secure knowledge, develop historical thinking and take pride in their achievements.
Implementation
Since October 2023, significant revisions have been made to our history curriculum, aimed at enhancing the learning experience for our students. One notable change involves reorganising various units to ensure chronological accuracy, enabling children to build upon prior knowledge and establish connections between different historical periods. Additionally, we have adopted an enquiry-based approach to each lesson, with a central question guiding students through six mini-enquiries within each unit. This approach fosters the development of historical skills and encourages students to think critically like historians. Furthermore, we are proud to introduce a "Black British and Belonging" thread to our curriculum, starting from September 2024. This addition ensures that most year groups will engage with elements of Black history during Autumn 1, enriching our understanding of diverse historical narratives.
Impact
