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History

History at Manuden Primary School

A small school with big ideas… Growing hearts, Growing minds, Growing dreams!

"A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots."

Marcus Garvey

Our Intent

At Manuden Primary School, we believe that history helps pupils understand the past and how it has shaped the world we live in today. Our history curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity about people, events and societies, while developing a strong sense of chronology and historical understanding.

History supports our school vision of growing hearts, growing minds and growing dreams by encouraging pupils to reflect on the experiences of others, understand diversity and develop respect for different cultures and perspectives.

Through engaging and enquiry-based learning, pupils develop the knowledge and skills needed to ask questions, analyse evidence and think critically about the past.

Our Implementation

Planning and Curriculum Structure

At Manuden Primary School, history is taught using the Key Stage History curriculum, which provides a well-structured and knowledge-rich approach to teaching history.

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop pupils’ understanding of:

  • Chronology – understanding when events happened and how they relate to each other
  • Historical knowledge – learning about significant events, people and societies
  • Cause and consequence – understanding why events happened and their impact
  • Change and continuity – exploring what has changed and what has remained the same over time
  • Historical enquiry – asking questions and using evidence to form interpretations

Lessons build on prior knowledge so that pupils develop a coherent understanding of history over time.

Enquiry and Historical Thinking

A key focus of history at Manuden is developing pupils’ ability to think like historians. Pupils are encouraged to:

  • Ask questions about the past
  • Analyse and interpret different sources of evidence
  • Consider different viewpoints and perspectives
  • Make comparisons between different periods of history
  • Develop reasoned arguments and conclusions

This enquiry-based approach helps pupils develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of historical concepts.

Vocabulary and Knowledge

Historical vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout each unit. Pupils learn the language needed to discuss historical events, periods and concepts accurately and confidently.

Knowledge organisers and retrieval activities support long-term retention and help pupils make connections across different periods of history.

Assessment

Assessment in history is ongoing and supports pupils’ understanding and progression.

Teachers assess learning through:

  • Questioning and discussion
  • Written work and extended responses
  • Source analysis and enquiry tasks
  • Retrieval activities to check knowledge

This ensures that pupils develop secure knowledge and historical thinking skills over time.

History in the Early Years (EYFS)

In the Early Years, history is introduced through the Understanding the World area of learning. Children begin to develop an awareness of the past through their own experiences and those of others.

Pupils are encouraged to:

  • Talk about events in their own lives and the lives of their families
  • Explore how things have changed over time
  • Listen to stories about the past
  • Begin to understand the concept of “then” and “now”

These early experiences help children develop a foundation for understanding history.

History in the Wider Curriculum

History is closely linked with other subjects, helping pupils make meaningful connections across their learning.

Examples include:

  • Geography – understanding how places have changed over time
  • English – developing reading, writing and discussion through historical texts
  • Art and Design – exploring historical art, artefacts and design
  • PSHE – reflecting on values, diversity and society
  • Computing – researching historical information and presenting findings

This cross-curricular approach helps pupils see the relevance of history in the wider world.

Enrichment and Engagement

At Manuden Primary School, we aim to bring history to life through engaging and meaningful experiences. Opportunities may include:

  • Educational visits to historical sites and museums
  • Workshops and themed history days
  • Exploring artefacts and primary sources
  • Learning about significant local history

These experiences help pupils develop curiosity and a deeper understanding of the past.

The Impact of Our History Curriculum

By the time pupils leave Manuden Primary School, they will:

  • Have a secure understanding of key historical events, periods and figures
  • Be able to place events within a clear chronological framework
  • Analyse and interpret sources of evidence
  • Understand cause and consequence, and change and continuity
  • Develop curiosity and a deeper interest in the past

Pupils leave Manuden as curious, reflective and informed learners, with the knowledge and skills to understand how the past has shaped the present and future.