History

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we fall.” – Confucius

At Orchard Grove Primary School, our History curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and develop pupils as knowledgeable historians. We teach history chronologically, beginning with events in living memory and moving further back in time, helping children build a clear understanding of how the past shapes the present.

Through carefully planned, progressive lessons, pupils learn about significant periods, key figures and a diverse range of people, cultures and perspectives, and how history influences their lives today. Pupils develop an understanding of local, national and global history. Prior learning is regularly revisited at the start of each unit and throughout lessons to support children to ‘know more and remember more’.

We place equal emphasis on historical knowledge and disciplinary skills. Pupils are encouraged to think and behave as historians and archaeologists, using and evaluating a range of sources, asking questions and understanding that interpretations of history can differ.

Children have access to high-quality artefacts and resources.  Our curriculum promotes strong chronology, rich vocabulary, critical thinking and an understanding of key concepts such as cause and consequence, similarity and difference, continuity and change, and historical significance.

Enrichment opportunities, including themed days, visits and workshops, enhance learning and foster a lifelong love of history.

By the time pupils leave Orchard Grove, they are curious and knowledgeable historians with a secure understanding of the past. They can think critically, use evidence to support their ideas and understand how history has shaped the world around them.