History

At Five Spires Academy, our History curriculum inspires pupils to become curious, knowledgeable and analytical historians.

Through engaging enquiries and rich historical sources, children develop a secure understanding of Britain's past and the wider world, enabling them to understand how the past has shaped the society in which they live today.

Our carefully sequenced curriculum enables pupils to build their understanding of chronology, historical enquiry, evidence, interpretation, cause and consequence, change and continuity, and historical significance. Learning is organised around key disciplinary concepts that are revisited throughout each year group, allowing pupils to deepen their historical knowledge and develop increasingly sophisticated historical thinking over time.

A key strength of our curriculum is the emphasis placed on historical enquiry. Pupils learn that history is not simply about remembering facts but about investigating questions, analysing evidence and forming reasoned conclusions. Through the study of artefacts, photographs, written records, maps and oral accounts, children learn how historians construct knowledge about the past.

We place a strong emphasis on critical thinking, curiosity and evidence-based reasoning. Pupils are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, consider different interpretations and justify their ideas using historical evidence. This enables them to develop a deeper understanding of how and why events occurred and why they remain significant today.

Local history is woven throughout the curriculum. For example, pupils explore the significance of Lichfield through studies of local heritage, investigate the impact of World War II on nearby communities including Birmingham, Coventry and Staffordshire, and consider the contribution of local historical figures such as Samuel Johnson when evaluating historical significance and legacy.

Subject-specific vocabulary is taught progressively from EYFS to Year 6, enabling pupils to communicate their understanding confidently and accurately using the language of historians. Knowledge is carefully sequenced so that children continually build upon previous learning, strengthening both substantive and disciplinary knowledge.

By the end of Year 6, pupils have developed a secure chronological understanding of the periods studied, can evaluate sources and interpretations critically, and understand the significance of key people, events and civilisations. They leave Five Spires Academy as informed, reflective and confident young historians who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

Long Term Plan