History

Intent

At Olga Primary School, our History curriculum aims to ignite pupils’ curiosity about the past and its impact on the present and future. We want children to develop a strong understanding of significant historical events, people, and periods, nurturing their ability to think critically, ask questions, and make meaningful connections across time.

As an anti-racist school, our curriculum actively challenges prejudice and inequality by celebrating diverse histories and perspectives. We ensure that pupils learn about the contributions and experiences of a wide range of cultures and communities, fostering respect, empathy, and a commitment to social justice.

Our intent is for pupils to:

• Acquire knowledge of local, British, and world history, appreciating the rich variety of experiences that have shaped societies.
• Understand cause and consequence, continuity and change, and the complexity of human experiences over time.
• Develop skills in historical enquiry, including evaluating sources, interpreting evidence, and constructing coherent narratives.
• Build respect for cultural heritage and diversity, including their own personal histories.

By cultivating a passionate, informed, and inquisitive approach to history, we prepare children to become responsible, reflective, and anti-racist citizens who understand the importance of equality and inclusion in society today.

Implementation

At Olga Primary School, we implement the History curriculum through a carefully planned and sequenced spiral approach that builds pupils’ knowledge and skills progressively from Early Years through to Year 6. Our curriculum is designed to revisit key historical concepts and themes in increasing depth and complexity, allowing pupils to reinforce prior learning while making new connections across different periods and topics.

Each year group focuses on distinct historical units, structured to develop understanding of local, British, and world history. Lessons are planned to ensure that knowledge is broken down into manageable steps with clear learning objectives. This thoughtful sequencing supports pupils to build a secure foundation of historical knowledge that accumulates year on year.

Our curriculum places strong emphasis on historical enquiry and critical thinking. Pupils engage with a range of primary and secondary sources, learning to interpret evidence, ask questions, and construct their own informed narratives about the past. This process encourages curiosity, reflection, and an appreciation of diverse perspectives.

To bring history to life and deepen understanding, we incorporate visits, artefact exploration, and immersive activities wherever possible. Our teaching also includes deliberate opportunities for pupils to explore histories and cultures from underrepresented groups, reflecting our commitment to being an anti-racist school and promoting inclusivity.

Through this structured, progressive, and inclusive approach, pupils develop a deep and lasting understanding of history, preparing them to be thoughtful, informed, and respectful citizens.

Impact