History

History 

At Isleham we aim for children to have an understanding of the past to shape the future 

At our school, History is more than dates and facts — it’s about inspiring curiosity, developing critical thinking, and helping children understand how the past has shaped the world we live in today. Our curriculum is designed to encourage pupils to think like historians: to question evidence, explore different perspectives, and build informed interpretations of events, people, and societies. 

How our History curriculum meets statutory guidance 

Our scheme of work fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum for History. It ensures pupils gain a secure understanding of British, local, and world history, while also developing the disciplinary skills needed to investigate the past. 

What children learn 

  • Substantive knowledge: Key content about significant events, people, and periods in history. 

  • Disciplinary knowledge: The skills of a historian — asking questions, analysing sources, and considering how historical knowledge is constructed. 

  • Chronology: Building a clear sense of time, sequencing events, and recognising cause and consequence. 

  • Interpretation: Understanding that history can be viewed from different perspectives and that evidence must be questioned. 

Our approach 

  • Spiral curriculum: Key concepts and skills are revisited and deepened each year, ensuring progression from EYFS through to Year 6. 

  • Balanced coverage: Pupils study a wide range of British and world history, from ancient civilisations to modern times. 

  • Inclusion and diversity: The curriculum highlights diverse voices and experiences, helping children see history as relevant to all communities. 

  • Cross-curricular links: History is often connected with Geography, English, and the Arts, enriching children’s learning. 

Developing wider skills 

History lessons also build transferable skills such as: 

  • Critical thinking and enquiry. 

  • Communication and oracy through discussion and debate. 

  • Empathy and cultural awareness. 

  • Research and evidence-based reasoning. 

Assessment 

  • Formative assessment: Retrieval practice, questioning, and discussion are used in every lesson to check understanding. 

  • Summative assessment: End-of-unit tasks and quizzes provide evidence of knowledge gained and skills developed. 

Long-term plan 

Each year group explores a range of engaging topics, for example: 

  • Year 3: Stone Age to Iron Age, Ancient Egypt, and local history studies. 

  • Year 4: Romans in Britain, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, and early Islamic civilisation. 

  • Year 5: Ancient Greece, the Maya civilisation, and a study of monarchy. 

  • Year 6: World War II, post-war Britain, and significant turning points in modern history. 

Skills for life 

By the end of primary school, pupils are equipped not only with knowledge of the past but also with the ability to think critically, weigh evidence, and form balanced judgements. These skills prepare them to be reflective, active citizens who can make sense of the present and contribute thoughtfully to the future