A curriculum centred around the people we meet and the places we go in History helps children flourish by fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and cultural understanding. It enables them to connect with the past, learn from the experiences of individuals and communities, and develop a broader perspective on human history and its impact on society.

History Curriculum Statement

Intent

History has always been held in high regard at St Thomas’s School and we have a key focus which links to the curriculum theme of ‘Where are we going and who will we meet?’.  The history curriculum at St Thomas’s makes full use of resources within the immediate and wider local area enabling children to develop a deep understanding of the rich history of their locality. This will maximise the outcomes for every child so that they know more, remember more and understand more.
Topics are informed by the national curriculum and are sensitive to children’s interests, as well as the context of the local area. The history curriculum at St Thomas’s is carefully planned and structured to ensure that current learning is linked to previous learning and that the school’s approaches are informed by current pedagogy. 

 Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school. By the end of year 6, children will have a chronological understanding of British history from the Stone Age to the present day. They are able to draw comparisons and make connections between different time periods and their own lives. Interlinked with this are studies of world history, such as the ancient civilisations of Greece and the Islamic civilisation.

Our Long Term Curriculum Overview maps out which units are to be covered by which year group and in which half term.

Teachers plan around our Golden Threads these have been designed to ensure the children can make links in their learning and support teachers to build on prior knowledge.

Our Golden Threads are:

Teachers also map out on their Medium Term Overviews how children will be working like historians and building up skills by thinking about cause and consequence, similarities and difference, continuity and change and significance as well as investigating and interpreting the past using sources of evidence and artefacts.

The local area is fully utilised to achieve the desired outcomes, with opportunities for learning outside the classroom embedded in practice. Planning is informed by and aligned with the national curriculum. Consideration is given to how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion. Outcomes of work are regularly monitored to ensure that they reflect a sound understanding of the key identified knowledge. Within our knowledge-rich approach, there is a strong emphasis the 'who will we meet' element of our curriculum. Children will meet significant individuals who have had an impact on our lives today.
The Early Years Foundation Stage supports the teaching of History in KS1. History is planned for throughout the year and can be identified on our long term overviews in both Nursery and Reception. 

Impact

Outcomes in history books, evidence a broad and balanced history curriculum and demonstrate the children’s acquisition of identified key knowledge. 
Emphasis is placed on analytical thinking and questioning which helps pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world and they are curious to know more about the past. Through this study pupils learn to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. We also provide further relevant and contextual learning through engaging members of the community in developing the children’s learning and providing positive role models for children to learn from.

School Trips and Visits

School trips and visits are important to bring history to life for children. We try to ensure the children have as many opportunities as possible.