History
You can see details of the national curriculum for history here.
At St Anne’s, we believe that history inspires children to broaden their horizons and better understand themselves and the world around them. By learning about the past, our pupils gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to shape their future. We nurture curiosity, encourage questioning, and empower children to think critically as young historians.
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum ensures that pupils build a secure understanding of British history, as well as the history of the wider world, exploring diverse people, places and civilisations across time.
Through our history curriculum, children will:
- Learn about significant historical events and eras
- Understand the impact of influential historical figures
- Explore ancient and modern civilisations
- Ask thoughtful questions and form informed opinions
- Investigate and interpret both primary and secondary sources
- Develop the skills to analyse evidence and draw conclusions
To support a rich and meaningful learning experience, we work closely with the Dimensions Curriculum, providing engaging, well-sequenced topics that build knowledge and historical skills progressively.
Our Approach
History is taught through carefully planned, themed units across all year groups, promoting a secure understanding of chronology and key historical concepts. Topics are deliberately sequenced so that children can build a clear sense of historical timeline as they move through the school.
Learning is brought to life through:
- Practical activities and discussions
- Written work and creative projects
- The use of digital technology
- Opportunities to apply historical vocabulary in context
Where possible, meaningful links are made between history and geography to deepen understanding—for example, through studies of Viking settlements or Ancient Greece (including Athens and Sparta) from both historical and geographical perspectives.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In Reception, children begin by exploring their own past and that of their families and communities. They share personal experiences, discuss significant events and are introduced to historical sources in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.
“We get to do fun activities and have lots of fun learning!” — EYFS pupil
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, children develop an understanding that the past can be divided into different time periods. They learn to sequence events chronologically and compare past and present. Pupils explore a range of sources, ask and answer questions, and learn about significant individuals such as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, considering the impact these figures had on the world.
“You get to learn about interesting people and we get to share our history learning with others in the school – which is fun!”— Key Stage 1 pupil
Key Stage 2
In Key Stage 2, children deepen their chronological understanding, placing events, eras and individuals on detailed timelines and identifying key dates. They explore major world civilisations and periods, from ancient history to the present day, making connections between past societies and their influence today.
Pupils examine causes and consequences of significant events, evaluate the reliability of sources, and increasingly form independent interpretations of the past.
“I love History at St Anne’s because you get to learn new things about people who are great, like Nina Simone! Every topic teaches me something new.” — Key Stage 2 pupil