History Curriculum Statement

The intent of our history curriculum at Amblecote Primary School is to inspire curiosity about the past and help pupils understand how people and events have shaped the world they live in. Through exploring significant individuals, events, and places, pupils develop a sense of chronology and begin to understand concepts such as change, continuity, cause, and consequence. We pride ourselves on our enquiry-based approach and our Local History topics, with every phase focusing on our history-rich local area once per year, for four weeks in the summer term. 

Teaching is sequenced to build knowledge progressively, revisiting key concepts such as change, continuity, cause, and consequence.

Lessons include opportunities for discussion, questioning, and practical activities to embed understanding.

The enquiry-based nature of our units of work focus on the children’s ability to ask questions about the past and deepen their thinking.

Each year, all phases concentrate on a local history topic for four weeks in the summer term, to deepen their understanding of their local area and its links to the past.

Opportunities are regularly taken to enrich the history curriculum with offsite visits to places such as Dudley Zoo, The Black Country Living Museum and The Red House Glass Cone. As well as this, we welcome visitors into school who lead fun and engaging history workshops with the children, bringing History to life.

In EYFS, children gain their first insight into History by thinking about their own past and their family history. They start to understand some similarities and differences between the past and now, drawing experiences from stories read in class. Reception children complete their first local history study on ‘Dudley Zoo and Castle’ which begins their journey of learning about our wonderful local area. 

At KS1, pupils learn about familiar and local history, as well as significant people and events beyond living memory, building a foundation of historical vocabulary and early enquiry skills.  Our pupils begin to develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time. They find out about where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework and identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods.

At KS2, pupils broaden their knowledge and understanding by studying British, local, and world history, making connections across periods and themes.  They note connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop the appropriate use of historical terms. They also learn to understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources, in preparation for KS3.

Our history curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, skills, and curiosity to understand the past and its influence on the present. By the end of their time with us, children will:

• Develop a secure chronological framework, enabling them to place events, people, and changes within and beyond living memory.
• Use historical vocabulary confidently, applying terms such as past, present, timeline, continuity, and change in context.
• Demonstrate historical enquiry skills, including asking questions, examining sources, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.
• Make meaningful connections between local history and national/global events, understanding how their locality fits into the bigger picture.
• Show cultural awareness and identity, appreciating diversity and the significance of historical events and figures.
• Express understanding creatively and critically, through discussion, writing, art, and digital media.
• Build resilience and curiosity, fostering a lifelong interest in history and its relevance to modern life.

This impact is measured through:

• Pupil voice: Children articulate what they have learned and why it matters, as well as their opinions on their history learning and lessons.
• Work scrutiny and assessment: Evidence of progression in historical knowledge and skills. Understanding of key concepts -through answering enquiry questions at the end of each unit of work.
• Observations: Engagement in lessons, ability to reason and reflect on historical concepts.

Ultimately, pupils leave Amblecote Primary School as confident, reflective learners who understand how the past shapes their identity and the world around them. As well as this, they have an in-depth knowledge of their local heritage.

By the end of KS2, our pupils:

• Have a secure chronological understanding of British and world history.
• Can use historical vocabulary confidently.
• Ask perceptive questions and use evidence to support simple arguments.
• Understand how the past influences the present and future.
• Are prepared for the demands of KS3 History.