What History looks like at St Laurence
At St Laurence, our History curriculum develops children’s curiosity about the past and helps them to understand how people, events and ideas have shaped the world in which they live.
Children study a broad range of historical periods, societies and significant individuals. They explore British, local and world history, building a secure sense of chronology while learning to recognise connections, contrasts and changes over time.
Our class names reflect our commitment to local history, with each class named after a significant historical figure who has links to Ramsgate. Through this, children develop a stronger understanding of the heritage of their local community as well as the wider world.
Our curriculum aims
Through our History curriculum, children will:
• develop a secure understanding of chronology
• build a wide and accurate historical vocabulary
• ask thoughtful questions about the past
• examine evidence and consider its reliability
• recognise different interpretations of historical events
• understand cause, consequence, change, continuity, similarity and difference
• learn about British, local and world history
• develop confidence in researching and presenting historical ideas
• understand how the past has influenced life today
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How we teach History
History is taught through carefully planned units organised around an overarching enquiry question. Each enquiry encourages children to investigate the past, examine evidence and reach conclusions based on what they have discovered. Teachers introduce key historical knowledge and vocabulary while helping pupils to develop the skills of a historian.
Children regularly revisit important concepts so that their understanding becomes increasingly secure. These include:
• chronology
• cause and consequence
• change and continuity
• similarity and difference
• historical significance
• evidence
• interpretation
Where appropriate, meaningful links are made with subjects such as English, Geography, Science and Art. For example, historical themes may inspire high-quality reading and writing while allowing children to deepen their understanding of a particular period.
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Historical enquiry
Historical enquiry is central to our curriculum. Children are encouraged to ask questions, investigate sources and develop reasoned responses.
They may work with:
• written records
• photographs and paintings
• maps
• artefacts
• archaeological evidence
• oral accounts
• buildings and local landmarks
• reconstructions and digital resources
Children learn that sources do not always provide a complete or neutral account of the past. As they progress through the school, they become increasingly confident in comparing evidence, considering different viewpoints and explaining how interpretations may vary.
What children learn
Throughout Key Stage 2, children develop their knowledge and skills across British, local and world history.
• Chronology
• Change and continuity
• Cause and consequence
• Similarity and difference
• Evidence and interpretation
• Local history
By the end of Year 6
By the end of Key Stage 2, children will be able to:
• place significant periods and events in chronological order
• use historical vocabulary accurately and confidently
• explain causes, consequences, changes and connections
• ask perceptive questions about the past
• select and examine evidence from a range of sources
• consider the reliability and usefulness of historical evidence
• recognise that the past can be interpreted in different ways
• construct informed responses supported by evidence
• make connections between local, British and world history
• explain how historical events and ideas continue to influence life today
Enrichment and wider opportunities
We enrich our History curriculum through memorable experiences that bring learning to life.
These include themed days, visits, workshops, practical activities and opportunities to explore local heritage. Previous experiences have included visits to Dover Museum, Kent Life and Ramsgate Tunnels, as well as VE Day activities, virtual reality workshops and practical tasks such as archaeological digs, making Egyptian bread and mummifying tomatoes.
These experiences provide valuable opportunities for children to handle evidence, ask questions and develop a deeper understanding of the periods they study.
We also work with other schools across the Aquila Trust to share good practice and strengthen the teaching and learning of History.
Supporting all learners
Our History curriculum is adapted so that every child can participate, make progress and experience success.
Teachers may use timelines, images, artefacts, vocabulary mats, maps, drama, practical activities and carefully structured written tasks. New knowledge is introduced in manageable steps and regularly revisited.
Children may demonstrate their understanding through discussion, diagrams, role play, presentations and practical work as well as extended writing. This allows pupils to engage with historical ideas in different ways while maintaining ambitious expectations for all.
Personal and spiritual development
History helps children to understand the experiences, beliefs and perspectives of people whose lives may have been very different from their own.
Pupils consider questions of justice, power, conflict, courage and responsibility. They explore how individuals and communities have responded to challenge and change, developing empathy without judging the past only by modern standards.
Through local and world history, children gain a stronger sense of identity, belonging and their place within a much longer human story. They are encouraged to reflect thoughtfully on the lessons that can be learnt from the past.
Click here to view the St Laurence History curriculum booklet