History Statement of Intent

At SMSJ, we deliver a broad and engaging History curriculum using the Kapow Primary scheme of work, which is carefully aligned with the National Curriculum for History. The scheme is adapted to meet the specific needs of our pupils and to reflect our school vision and values.

Our aims are for all our children to:

• develop a secure knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world
• understand how historical events and individuals have shaped the society we live in today
• develop key historical skills such as questioning, analysing evidence, interpreting sources and forming their own informed opinions about the past.

Our History curriculum is designed to develop both substantive knowledge (knowledge of historical events, people and periods) and disciplinary knowledge (how historians study and interpret the past). Children build their understanding of key historical concepts such as chronology, cause and consequence, change and continuity, similarity and difference, and historical significance as they move through the school.

Given that the majority of our children have English as an Additional Language (EAL), our curriculum places a strong emphasis on:

1. Language development and understanding of historical vocabulary

Learning environments are language rich and knowledge organisers provide key vocabulary, definitions and explanations of historical concepts required for each unit. Children revisit this knowledge regularly through quizzes and retrieval activities to help them remember more over time. In addition, writing opportunities are provided across units so that children can describe historical events, explain causes and consequences and demonstrate their understanding of the content taught.

2. Oracy development

In every lesson, children are given opportunities to discuss historical events, artefacts and sources in pairs and groups. Through structured discussion, children learn to explain their ideas, ask questions and use historical vocabulary to justify their thinking. Many units conclude with opportunities for children to present their learning through presentations, discussions or debates, allowing them to share their understanding with their peers.

3. Learning experiences

In order to broaden children’s life experiences, we provide first-hand learning opportunities which bring history to life and help children make meaningful connections with the past. Each history unit includes engaging hooks to capture children’s interest and curiosity. Examples include handling artefacts, drama and role play, workshops, visitors and educational visits to museums or places of historical significance. These experiences help children deepen their understanding and develop curiosity about the past.

At SMSJ, it is our intent that learners of all abilities access an engaging and challenging History curriculum. The curriculum has been designed to ensure knowledge and skills are progressively built upon across year groups, enabling children to develop a strong understanding of chronology and historical enquiry.

Through analysing sources, asking historically valid questions and exploring different interpretations of events, children learn to think critically about the past and understand that history can be viewed from different perspectives.

At SMSJ, we recognise how important it is for staff to have strong subject knowledge in order to deliver high-quality history lessons. The subject leader provides guidance, resources and regular updates so that staff feel confident in delivering engaging and effective history lessons. New staff also receive support and training to ensure consistency in the teaching of History across the school.

History and our School Vision

At SMSJ, we firmly believe that ‘With God, all things are possible’ (Matthew 19:26), and we encourage children to reflect this belief through their learning in History.

Through studying significant individuals and communities from the past, children learn about courage, resilience and the impact that people can have on the world. These stories inspire children to believe that they too can make a difference in their communities.

All learners at SMSJ achieve in their own way, whether this is through gaining knowledge of historical events, developing confidence in presenting ideas, showing curiosity about the past or demonstrating resilience when exploring challenging concepts.

History at SMSJ is led with passion and commitment as we believe that all learners deserve a rich and inspiring history education that helps them understand their place in the world.