“The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.”
– Theodore Roosevelt

History is the study of evidence about the past and plays an essential part in preparing us for living and working in a contemporary world. It gives us a sense of identity, set within our social, political, cultural and economic relationships.

Intent

At English Martyrs we follow the Primary National Curriculum for History in England.

The National Curriculum states that “A high-quality history education will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. It should inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past.”

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Head

  • Learn about significant times in UK and world history
  • Have opportunities to create, through interpretive diagrams,
    representations and field sketches.
  • Have opportunities to develop an understanding of chronology by
    building on knowledge of past events
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Heart

  • Foster curiosity and creativity about what they are learning and
    about the world around them. to ask questions
  • Foster a love of learning new knowledge and skills, a love of building
    on existing knowledge and skills and a love of designing and carrying
    out historical enquiry investigations
  • Have resilience and determination by knowing that hard work will
    give us the answers and help us to succeed. To know that it is OK to
    not get things right all of the time and we learn from mistakes.
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Hand

  • To begin to answer their own questions about the world around
    them.
  • Are equipped with the Historical knowledge and skills required to
    understand the uses and implications of History, today and for the
    future.
  • Understand that History is essential to everyday life and the impact
    it can have on our planet.

Implementation

History Progression Of Skills

History Small Steps Progression Document Whole School

At English Martyrs, our History curriculum is delivered through a carefully structured, progressive programme that maps out the study of significant periods and themes from EYFS through Year 6. We follow the National Curriculum for History, using our own long-term overview to ensure all required topics are covered systematically, from early family history and chronology in EYFS to complex periods such as the Industrial Revolution, world wars, empire, and civilisations in later years. By organising History into sequenced units across the school years, we ensure pupils build on prior learning and develop a strong sense of chronology and historical perspective.

Impact

By the end of their time at English Martyrs, pupils develop a secure understanding of the key events, people and periods that have shaped Britain and the wider world. They build a strong sense of chronology and can make meaningful links between different time periods and themes.

Our curriculum enables pupils to think and work like historians: asking questions, using evidence, considering different viewpoints, and forming well-reasoned conclusions. They develop accurate historical vocabulary and the confidence to communicate their understanding clearly.

Most importantly, pupils gain a deeper appreciation of how the past influences the present, helping them grow into thoughtful, respectful and informed citizens who are ready for the next stage of their education