Click on the sections below to explore and learn more about the History curriculum at St Peter and St Paul.
At St. Peter and St. Paul, we recognise that History is not just the study of the past, but also a way to deepen our understanding of God’s presence and His work in the world. Our Catholic faith encourages us to reflect on how the lessons of history help us live out Christ’s teachings today, promoting peace, compassion, and service to others.
Our history curriculum aims to inspire pupils to be curious and creative thinkers who develop a complex knowledge of local and national history and the history of the wider world. We want pupils to develop the confidence to think critically, ask questions, and be able to explain and analyse historical evidence. We aim to build an awareness of significant events and individuals in global, British and local history and recognise how things have changed over time. History will support children to appreciate the complexity of people’s lives, the diversity of societies and the relationships between different groups. Studying History allows children to appreciate the many reasons why people may behave in the way they do, supporting children to develop empathy for others while providing an opportunity to learn from mankind’s past mistakes.
Running through our history curriculum, we have the key concept of Dream, Believe, Achieve which connects to our mission statement. Through this, children are encouraged to reflect on our school learning values, considering how these qualities may have influenced the achievements of individuals and civilizations throughout history.
Pupils build their understanding of chronology in each year group, making connections over periods of time and developing a chronologically-secure knowledge of History. We hope to develop pupils’ understanding of how historians study the past and construct accounts and the skills to carry out their own historical enquiries.
In order to prepare pupils for their future learning in History, our scheme aims to introduce them to key substantive concepts including power, invasion, settlement and migration, empire, civilisation, religion, trade, achievements of humankind, society and culture. These key concepts, alongside our ‘non-negotiable facts’ enable pupils to know more, remember more and do more.
The topic ‘Black and British: How much have things changed?’ in Year 6 connects to the identity of a high percentage of our pupils. Through this study pupils build a well-informed appreciation of the issues concerning race, using their knowledge of changing attitudes to Black people in Britain that stretch back millennia.
Our History Subject Leader is Mrs N May.
