History
Overview
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The history projects are well sequenced to provide a coherent subject scheme that develops children’s historical knowledge, skills and subject disciplines. Key aspects and concepts, such as chronology, cause and effect, similarity and difference, significance and hierarchy, are revisited throughout all projects and are developed over time.
All projects develop historical skills through the use of evidence and historical enquiry, enabling children to ask questions, analyse sources and form their own understanding of the past. Children are supported to develop subject-specific vocabulary and communicate their understanding clearly.
The choice of historical periods follows the guidance set out in the national curriculum, with specific details relating to significant events and individuals chosen to present a rich and diverse account of British and world history.
Where there are opportunities for making meaningful connections with other projects, history projects are sequenced accordingly. For example, the project Dynamic Dynasties is taught alongside the art and design project Taotie to give children a better all-round understanding of ancient Chinese arts and culture.
All history projects are taught in the autumn and summer terms, with opportunities to revisit and strengthen historical concepts in some of the spring term geography projects. This ensures children build and retain knowledge over time, making connections across their learning.
Key Stage 1
In Year 1, children begin the autumn term by studying the project Childhood. This project builds on children’s own past experiences, including their family history and events within living memory, and works well as an introductory project to develop early chronological understanding.
In the summer term, children study the project School Days. This project enables children to learn about the history of their school and compare schooling in the Victorian period, helping them to understand how life has changed over time.
In the autumn term of Year 2, children extend their studies to explore a broader range of historical periods in the project Movers and Shakers. This project introduces the concept of significance, focusing on individuals who have had a major impact on history.
In the summer term, children study the project Magnificent Monarchs. This project introduces children to the concepts of power and monarchy, preparing them for more complex historical learning in Key Stage 2.
The projects studied in Key Stage 1 provide numerous opportunities for children to explore significant historical events, people and places, including those within their local area.
Lower Key Stage 2
In Year 3, children begin the autumn term by studying the chronology of British history in the project Through the Ages. This project teaches children about prehistoric Britain and the changes from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, developing their understanding of long-term change and chronology.
In the summer term, children continue to develop their knowledge of British history in the project Emperors and Empires. This project focuses on the Roman Empire, its invasion of Britain and the impact of Romanisation.
In the autumn term of Year 4, children continue their learning about British history in the project Invasion. This project teaches children about the Roman withdrawal and the invasion and settlement of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, concluding at 1066 in line with national curriculum expectations.
In the summer term of Year 4, children begin their studies of ancient history in the project Ancient Civilisations. This project introduces early civilisations such as ancient Sumer, the Indus Valley and ancient Egypt, helping children to understand their achievements and influence.
Throughout Lower Key Stage 2, children develop their ability to use evidence, identify cause and effect, and compare different periods, strengthening their historical thinking.
Upper Key Stage 2
In the autumn term of Year 5, children continue to build their knowledge of ancient civilisations with an in-depth study of ancient China in the project Dynamic Dynasties. This project explores the significance and influence of ancient China, including developments in writing, technology and metalwork.
In the summer term, children study Groundbreaking Greeks, exploring life in ancient Greece and examining the lasting influence of Greek achievements on the modern world.
In the autumn term of Year 6, children study the complex historical issues of enslavement, colonialism and power in the project Maafa. Children explore African kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Benin, and examine Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, including its abolition.
In the summer term of Year 6, children complete their historical studies with the project Britain at War. This project explores the role of conflict in Britain’s history since 1066, with a focus on the First and Second World Wars as significant turning points.
Children in Upper Key Stage 2 are increasingly expected to analyse sources, consider different perspectives and form reasoned arguments, deepening their understanding of the past.
Impact
By the time children leave St Paul’s, they have developed:
- A secure understanding of chronology and how periods of history connect
- Knowledge of significant events, people and civilisations from British and world history
- The ability to use historical evidence to question, interpret and draw conclusions
- An understanding of key concepts such as cause and effect, significance and similarity and difference
Children can:
- Explain how and why events happened and their impact over time
- Compare different historical periods and societies
- Use appropriate historical vocabulary confidently
- Understand that history can be interpreted in different ways
Children build and retain knowledge over time, revisiting key concepts so that learning is embedded, progressive and connected.
Most importantly, children develop a curiosity about the past and an understanding of how history shapes the world they live in today.