At St Mary’s, History helps children understand people’s lives and how the past has shaped our world. Our Catholic belief in the dignity of every person encourages thoughtful study of different communities, choices and experiences.

Children develop knowledge of local, British and world history. They learn to place events in time, ask questions, examine evidence and explain their conclusions.

Learning begins with personal and family memories in Reception. Key Stage 1 explores changes within living memory, significant people and local history. Key Stage 2 develops a broader chronological framework through ancient societies, British history and themes including settlement, migration, power and industry.

Our topic sequence connects with Building the Kingdom. Teachers revisit prior knowledge, locate each study in time and place, and model how to investigate a historical question.

Artefacts, photographs, accounts, maps, buildings and planned visits support enquiry. Children consider what a source can tell us and distinguish between evidence and an interpretation. Discussion and explanations help teachers identify misconceptions and plan the next steps.

We look for increasingly secure chronology, accurate vocabulary and explanations supported by evidence. Children learn to recognise change and continuity, explain causes and consequences, and compare different experiences of the past. They become more independent when asking questions and reaching reasoned conclusions.