Intent
At St Monica’s, our history curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and help children understand how the past has shaped the world they live in today. We want pupils to see history not just as a list of dates or famous figures, but as the story of people, decisions, and events that connect us across time.
From the Stone Age to World War II, children explore a broad and balanced range of British and world history that builds chronologically and thematically. Each year deepens understanding — from simple sequencing and factual recall in Key Stage 1, to analysing cause and consequence, comparison, and impact by Year 6.
Our aim is to ensure pupils develop:
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A strong chronological understanding of British and global history.
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The ability to think critically, ask perceptive questions, and evaluate evidence.
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An appreciation for diversity, change, and continuity across societies and time periods.
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The confidence to communicate historical knowledge through discussion, writing, and creative expression.
We want every child to leave St Monica’s with a secure understanding of key historical concepts, a sense of identity rooted in Britain’s past, and curiosity about the wider world.
Implementation
History is taught through carefully planned, progressive topics that build knowledge, skills, and understanding year on year.
Each unit is structured around clear learning intentions (OLIs) that combine historical knowledge with key disciplinary skills such as chronology, enquiry, comparison, and cause and consequence.
Children revisit and build on prior learning as they move through the school:
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KS1 introduces historical vocabulary, sequencing, and simple comparisons through topics like The Stone Age, Famous Kings and Queens, and Significant People.
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Lower KS2 develops understanding of ancient and medieval history — Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Greeks, and Tudors — exploring how societies evolved and influenced one another.
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Upper KS2 connects learning to Britain’s industrial, social, and global development through The Industrial Revolution, The Incas, and World War II, leading into modern and world history at secondary level.
Cross-curricular links strengthen understanding and engagement — for example, geography supports historical mapping; English enhances research, diary, and report writing; DT and art bring history to life through creative projects.
Lessons include enquiry, discussion, source analysis, drama, and practical investigation, encouraging pupils to think and work like historians. Knowledge organisers, timelines, and key vocabulary displays help reinforce understanding and retrieval.
Impact
By the end of Year 6, pupils at St Monica’s will:
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Have a clear, chronological overview of British and world history.
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Understand how events and individuals have shaped society locally, nationally, and globally.
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Be able to discuss and write about history using appropriate vocabulary and reasoning.
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Make connections between different periods, themes, and cultures.
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Show curiosity, confidence, and independence in investigating the past.
Progress is measured through ongoing assessment of knowledge and historical skills, pupil voice, and outcomes in books and presentations.
Children leave St Monica’s well-prepared for secondary history — not only with factual knowledge, but with the analytical and enquiry skills needed to understand the complexity of human stories and the world they live in.