Intent

At Larwood School, our history curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, ensuring that all pupils develop the knowledge and cultural understanding needed for life and future learning.

Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum (2014) and provides a broad and balanced programme of study. Topics are carefully adapted to support pupils in developing historical knowledge, skills and understanding.

We aim to inspire curiosity about the past and help pupils understand how history has shaped the world we live in today. Pupils explore significant people, events and civilisations while learning how historians investigate and interpret the past.

Learning builds progressively each year, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding of chronology, historical concepts and historical enquiry. Through this, pupils develop the ability to question evidence, compare different time periods and understand how interpretations of the past can change.

Implementation

History is taught through a progressive curriculum that revisits prior learning while introducing new knowledge and concepts in a structured way. Teaching focuses on developing both historical knowledge and key disciplinary skills outlined in the National Curriculum.

Lessons are designed to be engaging and accessible for all pupils. Activities include:

• Investigating historical sources and artefacts
• Exploring timelines and chronology
• Discussing historical events and their impact
• Developing written and verbal explanations of historical ideas

Learning is adapted to support pupils with additional needs, while providing opportunities for challenge and deeper thinking for higher-attaining pupils.

Learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. Educational visits and topic-related experiences help bring history to life and deepen pupils’ understanding. Each topic begins with a ‘Stunning Start’ to spark interest and curiosity and concludes with a ‘Fantastic Finish’ where pupils celebrate and showcase their learning.

Impact

Our history curriculum enables pupils to develop a strong understanding of the past and how it has shaped the present. Pupils build knowledge progressively and develop the skills needed to think and work like historians.

Impact is measured through:

• Discussions with pupils about their understanding of historical vocabulary and concepts
• Review of pupils’ written work and practical learning
• Monitoring of progression across year groups
• Moderation of work during staff meetings

By the time pupils leave Larwood School, they will:

• Understand key periods and events in British history
• Explore and compare other civilisations such as Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece
• Use historical vocabulary and understand chronology
• Ask questions about the past and interpret historical evidence

This provides pupils with a strong foundation for secondary history and a greater understanding of how the past influences the world today.