Intent
At East Acton, our History curriculum is designed to raise pupils’ aspirations by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and vocabulary needed to understand the past and their place in the world. As a Rights Respecting School, we promote respect, equality and social justice, making meaningful links to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the UN Global Goals.

Our curriculum ignites curiosity and encourages pupils to ask thoughtful questions about history. Through studying significant individuals and diverse civilisations, children develop an understanding of different perspectives, rights and responsibilities, supporting their development as informed global citizens.

Historical learning begins in EYFS through exploration of personal and family histories. In KS1, pupils develop an understanding of chronology, their local area and key events in British history. By KS2, they compare civilisations, explore connections between periods and develop a secure understanding of local, national and world history.

Key themes such as civilisation, legacy, continuity and change are revisited throughout, enabling pupils to make connections and deepen understanding. Through an enquiry-based approach, children learn to analyse sources, evaluate evidence and construct informed conclusions, developing as confident young historians (Articles 12, 29).

Implementation
Our History curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure clear progression in knowledge and skills. Each unit is driven by an enquiry question, providing purpose and direction for learning.

Pupils explore a range of sources, artefacts and historical interpretations to investigate the past. They are taught to question, analyse and evaluate evidence, building their disciplinary knowledge over time. Opportunities such as themed weeks, educational visits and workshops enrich learning and bring history to life.

An enquiry-led model underpins teaching:

• Learning begins with a key question
• Pupils generate and explore sub-questions
• Evidence is gathered, analysed and evaluated
• Pupils form reasoned conclusions to answer the enquiry

Vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited through working walls and discussion, enabling pupils to use subject-specific language confidently. The curriculum reflects diverse histories and significant individuals, supporting our commitment to equality and representation (Articles 2, 8).

Impact
Our History curriculum develops curious, reflective and knowledgeable learners who can think critically and communicate effectively (Article 29). Pupils gain a strong understanding of chronology, cause and consequence, and the interconnectedness of historical events.

Through their learning, children develop an appreciation of identity, diversity and fairness, understanding how history shapes the modern world (Articles 2, 8). Their enquiry skills strengthen over time, enabling them to ask perceptive questions and draw well-supported conclusions (Article 12).

By the end of KS2, pupils are confident historians who can analyse sources, explain key concepts and make meaningful connections across periods of time. They leave with a lasting curiosity about the past and the skills to engage thoughtfully with the world around them, recognising the importance of rights, responsibility and global citizenship (Article 29).