History Curriculum

Intent

At Benhurst, our History Curriculum helps pupils to gain a coherent knowledge and ensures that children will have a chronological understanding of British and local history from Stone Age to present day in both the country and their own local area. They are able to compassionately draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this is the need to look at world history such as the ancient civilisations of Greece, the Mayans and Egyptians. Children are creatively taught the skills required to be an effective and ambitious historian; how to research and obtain information, as well as how to question the sources that are available for authenticity, perspective and reliability. This naturally leads them into investigating why people interpret the past in different ways.  Through this, children will learn that history is made up of opinions and viewpoints which are interwoven amongst historical ‘facts’, utilising skills from all curriculum areas with respect and courage.

Implementation

At Benhurst, our History curriculum is meticulously designed to ensure that each year group builds on prior learning, enabling pupils to commit knowledge to long-term memory. Lessons are thoughtfully structured to provide opportunities for curiosity and deep exploration, with pupils engaging in hands-on learning by examining artefacts and historical sources. This approach encourages pupils to make meaningful inquiries and contextualise their learning, allowing them to see history as a living, evolving subject.

A key aspect of our curriculum is teaching pupils the chronology of historical events, enabling them to understand the sequence and relationships between different time periods and civilizations. This helps pupils to develop a strong sense of historical continuity and change over time, equipping them with the skills to link past events with future implications.

Teachers begin each session by modelling ambitious, subject-specific vocabulary, fostering confidence in pupils to use historical language accurately. Lessons are skill-focused, helping pupils integrate new knowledge into broader historical concepts. By learning the chronology alongside the contextual details, pupils can make connections between different periods, civilisations, and historical events, encouraging creative thinking and analysis.

Formative assessments are conducted continuously through a variety of activities to ensure progress and success, allowing teachers to adapt lessons to meet pupils' individual needs. These assessments ensure that pupils not only retain information but also develop the critical thinking skills necessary to engage deeply with history and understand its relevance to the present.

Our young historians are provided with enriching experiences, including school trips and workshops, that nurture their ambition and help create lasting memories. These experiences deepen their love for learning and make history come alive in engaging and dynamic ways.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Benhurst, they will have developed an excellent understanding of how past events and people have shaped the modern world. Pupils will confidently apply historical vocabulary and possess the skills to make meaningful connections between historical societies, comparing them with modern times.

They will carry with them a sense of curiosity, eager to explore how history has evolved on a global scale. Pupils will be able to confidently discuss significant figures and events, understanding their lasting impact on the world today. Through their history education at Benhurst, children will develop the ability to express well-balanced opinions rooted in a deep historical understanding, reflecting on both past and current events with compassion and insight. This solid foundation ensures they leave with the courage and skills to engage with history thoughtfully and critically as informed, insightful individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Year Group Overview

Documents