History

Welcome to the Science Curriculum page.  Mrs Gammon-McGee is the subject leader for History in the school.

Intent

At St Theresa’s, our history curriculum is designed in line with the aims of the National Curriculum, inspiring pupils’ curiosity about the past and helping them to understand how history has shaped the world we live in today. We aim to develop pupils’ knowledge of significant events, people and periods, both in Britain and the wider world, while fostering a sense of chronology and an understanding of change over time.

We also place great value on our local context, ensuring that the rich history of our local area and surrounding communities is both studied and celebrated. Through the study of history, we want children to think critically, ask questions and develop an understanding of different perspectives. Our curriculum prepares pupils for future learning by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to interpret the past and make meaningful connections to the present.

Implementation

Our history curriculum is delivered through carefully sequenced units that build knowledge and skills progressively across each year group. Each unit is driven by a key enquiry question, encouraging pupils to think critically, ask questions and develop a deeper understanding of the past.

Teaching focuses on both historical knowledge (substantive knowledge) and disciplinary skills, such as interpreting sources, understanding chronology, and exploring concepts like cause and consequence, similarity and difference. Key vocabulary is explicitly taught, and knowledge organisers are used to support pupils in remembering important facts and language over time. Teachers use engaging resources, discussion and enquiry-based learning to bring history to life, while revisiting prior learning to support retention and understanding.

We make meaningful links across the curriculum, particularly with English, to deepen understanding and provide opportunities for extended writing. Wherever possible, we draw on the rich history of our local area through visits and first-hand experiences, bringing learning to life and making it relevant for our pupils. 

Impact

By the time pupils leave St Theresa’s, they will have developed a secure and coherent understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Pupils will show curiosity and engagement in their learning by thinking critically about historical events, ask thoughtful questions and use evidence to support their ideas. In addition, they will be able to talk confidently about their learning, using appropriate historical vocabulary to explain key events, concepts and ideas.

Pupils will demonstrate a strong grasp of key historical concepts such as chronology, cause and consequence, and change over time, while using subject-specific vocabulary with confidence. They will also have an appreciation of the rich history of their local area and understand how the past has shaped the present. Ultimately, our pupils leave as curious, reflective learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education and able to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Progression of Disciplinary Knowledge

Black History Month

During the month of October, we celebrated black history.  It is important that our children have the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the significant contributions black people have made to our freedoms, our culture and our society. 

Each year group studied a significant person from our past or present day:

YR: Music and Culture (embedded in areas of provision)

Y1: Rosa Parks

Y2: Mae Jemison

Y3: Pablo Franque

Y4: Arthur Wharton & Marcus Rashford

Y5: Harriet Tubman

Y6: Martin Luther King

In class, they looked at their key person as an individual, their beliefs and the powerful work they did to not only improve their own life but the lives of many others.  The children completed a range of cross-curricular activities which portray what they learnt and how they are inspired by these amazing people.

As a school, we came together for a Celebration Assembly, where representatives from all year groups shared examples of their work and key facts they had learnt throughout the month.  It was a fabulous morning, the children spoke clearly and passionately about their learning.

At the end of our Celebration Assembly, we shared this powerful song/video with the children.