At Carlton Primary School, we are committed to developing pupil’s enthusiasm and interest in History. We want to inspire children’s curiosity to know more about the past and how the process of change has impacted on the world they live in today.

Our aims for History at Carlton Primary School are:

  • All pupils understand the history of Britain from the earliest times to the present day: how people’s lives have shaped the nation as well as how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world.
  • All pupils know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world (including ancient civilisations, expansion and collapse of empires and the achievements and follies of mankind).
  • All pupils understand historical concepts as well as the methods of historical enquiry.
  • All pupils gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts.  

Children learn to use a variety of historical sources, including pictures, photos, documents and artefacts and to present what they find out in different ways. We aim to bring history alive in many different ways. For example, interviewing visitors, going on trips, role play, workshops and themed weeks.

We want all children to make fantastic progress in History. Our expectations for what should be achieved by the end of each year group are divided into five key concepts:

  • Develop an in depth subject knowledge including chronology.
  • Develop the ability to make sense of the past through the skill of causation.
  • Develop the ability to interpret evidence.
  • Develop the skills of historical enquiry.
  • Develop the ability to communicate an understanding of the past.

Mastery in History

Studying history gives pupils the opportunity to develop an understanding of why the world and its people are the way they are today. We encourage pupils begin to ask questions as they explore the diversity of human experience, past lives and societies. History should be an interactive subject which strives to ignite a child’s natural curiosity. Whilst it is important for children to have facts, children who master their learning will show that they can think independently and critically and through this they will foster an understanding of ‘why’ as well as ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘when’ and ‘where’. The children will be able to lead discussion and debate, fostering an environment of enquiry which enables them to revise and justify their opinions as well as encouraging them to ask as well as answer questions about history.