History

The person responsible for developing history in our school is Mrs K. Williams

Intent

At Whiston Willis Primary Academy, we aim to develop curious, knowledgeable and reflective historians who understand the past and recognise how it has shaped the world in which we live today.

Our ambitious and inclusive History curriculum is underpinned by the National Curriculum and progressively develops pupils' substantive and disciplinary knowledge. Pupils build secure chronological understanding and explore important historical concepts, including cause and consequence, continuity and change, similarity and differencem and historical significance.

Through the study of local, British and world history, pupils encounter a range of people, societies and perspectives. They learn to question evidence, consider different interpretations and develop informed conclusions about the past.

Implementation

From Year 1 to Year 6, CUSP provides the core sequencing for our History curriculum, enabling pupils to build upon prior knowledge and make meaningful connections within and across historical periods. Teachers adapt teaching according to pupils' needs while maintaining ambitious curriculum outcomes for all.

Teaching reflects our whole-school pedagogical approach, informed by Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction and our six-part lesson structure. Retrieval, explicit instruction, modelling, questioning, guided practice and regular checks for understanding help pupils connect new learning with prior knowledge and support long-term retention.

Pupils develop the skills of historians by asking questions, exploring historical sources and artefacts, evaluating evidence and interpretations, and constructing informed conclusions.

Oracy is integral to History. Pupils use increasingly precise historical vocabulary to explain ideas, discuss evidence, justify interpretations and respectfully consider different perspectives.

As a Rights Respecting School, our History curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to explore people's experiences across time and consider how rights, freedoms, equality and responsibilities have developed and changed.

Curriculum Progression

Our History curriculum is carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6, progressively developing pupils' historical knowledge, chronological understanding, vocabulary and disciplinary thinking.

For further information about the content taught in each year group, click the curriculum overview below:

H​istory Curriculum Overview