At St Joseph's, we believe that our high-quality history education will enable children to learn about the world today, by having a clear and coherent understanding of how the world used to be, and how that has significantly impacted our lives. Our history curriculum is designed so that children can build on their understanding of chronology and allows them to discover and learn about the past, including people who lived and significant events. In turn, this develops children’s curiosity and encourages them to ask questions to find out more about the past.

In history, children have the opportunity to learn about the past using quality primary and secondary sources, including artefacts and replicas. This is possible through our work with other leaders and specialists at Saint Margaret Ward. At the start of lessons, there is a retrieval focus; ensuring that children are remembering more of what they have learnt in previous year groups. In lessons, the studying of photographs, paintings, texts and maps all provide children with valuable experiences which enhance their learning. Across KS1 and KS2, children learn about history in their locality and how the actions of people of the past have impacted our lives today.

Within our exciting and ambitious curriculum, there are key themes interwoven: Religion, Childhood, Daily Life, Conflict and Trade. Throughout the units, across the year, children will learn about these key themes and again, be able to link them to our lives today.

We intend to deliver the National Curriculum in an engaging and exciting way which encourages children to think like historians and be able to ask and answer questions about the past, using the evidence we have. Where appropriate, educational visits may link to history learning to further enthuse children and promote a love of history.

Overall, our aim is to give children access to learning about the past, and to give them the skills and tools to equip them for future learning in history, as well as an understanding of the world which they live in today.