History at Chapel Hill

Vision

At Chapel Hill, we believe history should inspire curiosity about the past and develop pupils as thoughtful, informed individuals. Our curriculum is broad, balanced and rich, designed to support the progressive development of historical enquiry skills that pupils will carry forward into secondary school and beyond.

Through our teaching, we aim for all pupils to:

• Understand how Britain’s past has shaped the nation and how it has been influenced by the wider world
• Gain knowledge of significant aspects of world history, including ancient civilisations, empires, and non-European societies
• Develop a secure understanding of key historical concepts such as empire, civilisation, and parliament
• Explore concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity and difference, and significance
• Understand how historical knowledge is constructed through evidence and interpretation

Intent

At Chapel Hill, we deliver a high-quality history curriculum that inspires curiosity and fascination about Britain’s past and that of the wider world.

We aim to develop pupils who can:

• Think critically and ask perceptive questions
• Weigh evidence and evaluate different viewpoints
• Analyse historical events and draw informed conclusions
• Develop perspective and reasoned judgement

We place a strong emphasis on chronology, enabling children to understand when events occurred and how they are interconnected. This supports pupils in making sense of the past and its influence on the present.

Through studying history, children gain a deeper understanding of their place within modern multicultural Britain. By considering how people lived in the past, pupils are better equipped to reflect on their own choices and the society in which they live.

Implementation

History is taught through a termly topic approach, ensuring coverage of the National Curriculum while enabling meaningful connections across subjects.

Teaching is carefully planned to ensure:

• Consistency across year groups
• Appropriate challenge and differentiation
• Engaging and stimulating lessons

A range of teaching approaches are used, including:

• Use of technology such as Augmented Reality (AR)
• Varied methods of recording learning
• Opportunities for discussion, enquiry and reflection

Curriculum Expectations

• History is taught for approximately one hour per week
• Each term includes a ‘deep dive’ enquiry, where pupils explore a key aspect in depth over a sequence of lessons
• Off-the-page days and educational visits enrich learning experiences
• An annual History Week allows pupils to explore a specific decade, era, or theme across the school, with strong cross-curricular links (e.g. English, art and music)

Our curriculum focuses on developing four key strands:

1. Historical knowledge
2. Historical enquiry
3. Chronology
4. Interpretation

Impact

Our history curriculum ensures that pupils develop a secure and coherent understanding of Britain’s past and the wider world.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will:

• Use historical vocabulary accurately and confidently
• Ask thoughtful questions and engage critically with evidence
• Understand and apply key historical concepts
• Recognise different interpretations of the past

Pupils leave Chapel Hill as enthusiastic and reflective learners who have enjoyed their study of history. They are well-prepared for Key Stage 3 and equipped with skills that support lifelong learning and informed participation in society.

EYFS

In the Early Years, historical understanding is developed through the Understanding the World strand of the EYFS framework.

Children are supported to:

• Explore changes over time
• Talk about past and present events in their own lives
• Understand similarities and differences between people, places and communities

This is achieved through opportunities to explore, observe and discuss the world around them, forming strong foundations for future historical learning.