History

Intent

At Treloweth, we strive to deliver an ambitious, broad and balanced History curriculum that inspires children to become curious, connected and reflective learners. Through the study of History, pupils develop a fascination with the richness of their local community, Britain and the wider world, while gaining an appreciation of how the past continues to shape the present.

By exploring how people, places and societies have changed over time, children develop a strong sense of identity and belonging, understanding how they are connected to the experiences of those who came before them. They build a secure chronological understanding of significant events and individuals, while recognising that History can be interpreted in different ways.

Our History curriculum encourages children to be kind and respectful by developing empathy for people from different periods, cultures and backgrounds. It also nurtures curiosity through enquiry, discussion and investigation, enabling pupils to ask meaningful questions and seek evidence-based answers.

Our curriculum aims to ensure pupils:

gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of the past;

develop a secure chronological framework of historical events;

ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence and form reasoned judgements;

understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change and the diversity of societies;

make meaningful connections between different periods of History and their own lives;

become kind, curious and connected citizens who value and learn from the experiences of others.

Implementation

Planning is informed by and aligned with the National Curriculum, ensuring clear progression in historical knowledge and skills across the school. History is taught fortnightly, alternating with Geography, allowing children to study each subject in depth while making meaningful links between them. Learning is carefully sequenced between year groups to ensure pupils continually build upon prior knowledge and deepen their understanding over time.

Lessons are planned in small, progressive steps, allowing knowledge and skills to build systematically from one lesson to the next. Teachers regularly reactivate prior learning, helping pupils make connections between topics and strengthening long-term retention. Key historical vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout the curriculum and is expected to be used confidently in both spoken and written responses.

Our history curriculum reflects a diverse range of significant individuals, cultures and civilisations, helping children develop a broader understanding of the world and their place within it. Teachers adapt learning to meet the needs of all pupils, providing appropriate support and challenge, including through the use of probing ‘red questions’ that encourage deeper thinking.

By the end of Year 6, pupils will have developed a secure chronological understanding of British History from the Stone Age to the present day. They will be able to draw comparisons, identify similarities and differences, and make connections between different historical periods, ancient civilisations, world history and their own experiences.

Teaching is enriched through the use of photographs, artefacts, film clips, historical sources and enquiry-based learning, all of which stimulate discussion and promote children’s natural curiosity. Learning is further enhanced through carefully planned educational visits, visitors, workshops and practical experiences that bring History to life and help children feel connected to the past.

At a Glance