‘We are not the makers of history. We are made by history.’

Martin Luther King

 

 

INTENT

At Barnburgh Primary Academy we aim to develop thoughtful, curious, and reflective learners who are equipped to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, and develop perspective and judgement. Through our History curriculum, pupils explore the complexity of people’s lives, the diversity of societies, and the relationships between different groups throughout time. We believe a high-quality history education helps children understand the past in order to make sense of the present and influence the future.

 

Our History curriculum is carefully sequenced to build historical knowledge and skills from the Early Years through to Year 6, enabling pupils to become increasingly independent, analytical thinkers with a secure understanding of the past.

 

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children begin to develop an awareness of history through personal experiences and stories. They talk about past and present events in their own lives and those of family members, compare how things have changed over time, and explore key historical concepts such as ‘old’ and ‘new’. They are introduced to historical vocabulary in meaningful contexts and begin to understand the concept of time.

 

 In Key Stage 1, pupils build on their early experiences by learning about significant individuals and events in both national and global contexts. They begin to place events in chronological order and use sources to ask and answer simple questions about the past. They develop an awareness of how people's lives were different in the past and how events have shaped the world they know today.

 

In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their understanding of chronology, cause and consequence, and continuity and change. They explore a wide range of time periods from ancient civilisations to post-1066 Britain, making comparisons and connections across history. Children learn how to critically examine sources, consider multiple perspectives, and use historical language to present and justify their ideas. By the end of Year 6, pupils are equipped with a secure understanding of how historical events have shaped society and a strong foundation for further historical study.

 

Our Core Values form the foundation of all learning at Barnburgh and are essential to our History curriculum:

 

Courage: We teach our children to show courage in History by tackling big questions about society, injustice, and change. They are encouraged to explore sensitive or challenging topics, such as war, civil rights, or colonisation, in a safe and respectful environment, developing the confidence to express their ideas and opinions.

 

Perseverance:History often involves complex sources, competing narratives, and difficult concepts. Our pupils learn to persevere when grappling with uncertainty or when trying to understand different viewpoints. They are supported to reflect, revise, and deepen their understanding over time.

 

Ambition: We teach ambition in History by challenging pupils to think deeply about the impact of individuals and movements across time. Children are inspired by the actions of significant figures who changed the course of history and are encouraged to see themselves as agents of change, capable of shaping the future through knowledge of the past.

 

Respect: Through the study of diverse cultures, beliefs, and experiences, children learn to appreciate and respect different perspectives. They develop empathy for people from different times and places and understand the importance of tolerance, fairness, and shared human experience.

 

Independence: As pupils progress, they are encouraged to investigate historical questions independently, analyse evidence, and form their own interpretations. We support them to become critical thinkers who can evaluate information, draw informed conclusions, and confidently present their findings.

 

Please find the history progression document below. This is a working document.