Purpose and Aims of the Subject
At Adderley Primary School, the History curriculum aims to inspire pupils’ curiosity about the past and help them develop an understanding of how events, people and societies have shaped the world we live in today. It encourages children to explore different periods of history and to understand how the past influences the present.
Through the study of history, pupils develop a secure knowledge of significant events, individuals and civilisations from Britain and the wider world. They learn about key historical themes such as change and continuity, cause and consequence, similarity and difference, and the significance of historical events and people. As pupils progress through the school, they build a chronological understanding of history and begin to make connections between different time periods.
The curriculum provides opportunities for pupils to investigate a range of historical sources including artefacts, photographs, documents and accounts from the past. By analysing and interpreting these sources, children develop important historical enquiry skills such as questioning, reasoning, evaluating evidence and forming their own interpretations.
Through discussion, research and exploration, pupils gain a deeper understanding of how people lived in the past and how societies have changed over time. They also develop an awareness of different cultures, beliefs and perspectives throughout history.
These experiences help pupils develop a sense of identity and an understanding of their place within the story of Britain and the wider world. In doing so, History supports pupils in becoming thoughtful, informed and responsible citizens in modern democratic Britain.
How History is Taught
At Adderley Primary School, History is taught through engaging and immersive learning experiences that bring the past to life. Lessons are designed to develop pupils’ curiosity and encourage them to ask questions about how people lived in the past, why events happened and how these events have shaped the world today.
Teachers use a range of memorable experiences to deepen pupils’ understanding of historical periods. These may include themed days, role play activities, and opportunities for children to dress up as historical figures to help them understand different perspectives and experiences from the past.
Through the use of technology, learning is enhanced through tools such as virtual reality (VR), 360-degree views and live webcams, which allow pupils to explore important historical locations and landmarks around the world. These experiences help children visualise historical settings and develop a deeper understanding of the environments in which historical events took place.
To deepen their understanding, pupils take part in educational visits to museums, heritage sites and places of historical significance. These visits provide valuable first-hand experiences and opportunities for history fieldwork, enabling pupils to observe, question and reflect on historical evidence in real-life contexts. For instance, pupils may visit Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, Black Country Living Museum, Cadbury World, Warwick Castle and Cambridge Central Mosque, as well as participate in local area walks. These experiences allow pupils to connect their classroom learning with real historical places and deepen their understanding of the past.
Historical enquiry is central to the teaching of History at Adderley Primary School. Pupils are encouraged to investigate the past by examining a range of historical sources such as artefacts, photographs, documents, maps and written accounts. They learn how to analyse evidence, ask thoughtful questions and consider the reliability and usefulness of different sources. Handling artefacts and exploring primary and secondary sources helps children develop their skills in interpreting evidence and forming their own informed conclusions about the past.
Through these varied approaches, pupils develop strong historical thinking skills, a secure understanding of chronology and a deeper appreciation of how the past has shaped the present.
The outcomes of the curriculum and assessment
Through the History curriculum at Adderley, pupils develop a strong understanding of the past and how it has shaped the world they live in today. They gain knowledge of significant events, people, and civilisations, and learn to place these within a clear chronological framework. Pupils also develop key historical skills such as analysing sources, interpreting evidence, and considering different perspectives
Assessment focuses on both knowledge and historical enquiry skills, including written work, source analysis, discussions, and research projects, allowing teachers to monitor pupils’ progress and depth of understanding. As a result, children learn to appreciate how societies have changed over time, recognise the diversity of human experiences, and understand the impact of historical events on modern life. By the end of each key stage, pupils are able to think critically about the past, ask meaningful historical questions, and use evidence to support their ideas, preparing them to become thoughtful, informed citizens who understand the importance of history in shaping the future.
You can view our curriculum plans here: