History
Intent:
At Rowde, we believe history helps children understand who they are, where they have come from and how the past has shaped the world they live in today. Through learning about significant people, events and civilisations, children develop curiosity about the past and an appreciation of how societies have changed over time. History supports our vision of Learn • Grow • Love by encouraging children to learn from the past, grow in their understanding of others and develop respect for different people, cultures and beliefs.
Our history curriculum enables children to think like historians. They learn to ask questions, interpret evidence, consider different viewpoints and make informed judgements about the past. Through this, children develop a secure understanding of British history alongside the history of the wider world, recognising the achievements, challenges and experiences that have shaped our society today.
Implementation:
History is taught from the Early Years, through Understanding the World, to Year 6 as part of a carefully planned, knowledge-rich curriculum. Children begin by exploring their own lives, family history and local heritage before studying key periods of British history and significant world civilisations. As they progress through the school, they revisit important historical concepts including conflict and power, important people and events, monarchy, ancient civilisations and society, allowing them to deepen their understanding over time.
Learning is carefully sequenced so that children build on prior knowledge and develop a secure understanding of chronology. Each unit is supported by a high-quality class text, helping children make meaningful links across the curriculum while promoting our commitment to Read to Learn. Children regularly interpret historical sources, use timelines and investigate evidence to develop the disciplinary skills of a historian. Wherever possible, learning is enriched through visits, artefacts and experiences that bring history to life.
Impact
Children leave Rowde with secure historical knowledge, a strong understanding of chronology and the ability to think critically about the past. They are confident in using evidence to answer historical questions, recognising that different interpretations can exist and understanding why this is the case.
They are well prepared for the next stage of their education and leave with an appreciation of Britain's place in the wider world, an understanding of how the past continues to influence the present, and a lifelong curiosity about the people and events that have shaped our world. Through history, they develop empathy, respect and an understanding that learning from the past helps us build a better future.
For more information, please see the documents below.
History and Geography Overview
