History

At St Mary Cray Primary Academy, our History curriculum is designed to ignite children’s curiosity about the past. We are determined that alongside historical knowledge there will be a high focus on the development of specific historical skills through outdoor learning experiences, immersion days and structured lessons.

The teaching of History in our academy is intended to equip pupils to ask questions about the past, analyse evidence, think critically, appreciate different perspectives and develop informed judgements. Classes have a weekly Rapid Recall quiz to recap previous learning and vocabulary. During lessons children are exposed to history specific vocabulary and are taught these through repetition and meaningful use.  

Medium term plans ensure coverage of both the required knowledge and the subject specific skills. Individual sessions are planned to inspire, engage and challenge pupils in response to their needs. Children are given a wide variety of experiences both in the classroom and out. We encourage school visits and visitors into school to enable the children to gain first hand experiences to support their learning.

Pupils are encouraged to think like historians and develop their skills including historical enquiry. There is a strong emphasis on developing children’s other skills such as understanding of chronology, interpretations of evidence, changes within a time and across time periods and cause and consequence.

Our History curriculum covers the skills outlined in the National Curriculum through broad, challenging and inspiring themes. Progression is planned in knowledge, skills and vocabulary so that pupils by the end of year 6 have the cultural capital to be successful in History in their secondary school.