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Aycliffe Drive Primary School

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History

Vision

At Aycliffe Drive Primary School, our history curriculum seeks to nurture knowledgeable, thoughtful and curious learners who can understand the complexity of the past and its impact on the present. We aim to deliver a rich, ambitious and coherent curriculum that develops children’s understanding of local, British and world history, while enabling them to see themselves as part of a wider historical narrative. Our vision reflects the ambition of the National Curriculum for History, which emphasises secure chronological knowledge, understanding of historical concepts, and the ability to conduct historical enquiry.

Intent

Our history curriculum is designed so that, throughout their learning journey, children develop curiosity and fascination about the past and appreciate the diversity of human experience. By building a secure sense of chronology, pupils learn to organise their understanding of different periods and make meaningful links across time. They explore significant events in British and world history, understand how societies have changed, and recognise how ideas such as democracy, justice and equality have shaped modern Britain. Through the study of evidence, pupils learn to ask historically valid questions, analyse sources critically, distinguish between fact and interpretation, and recognise that historical accounts can be challenged or open to debate. Our aim is not only to build knowledge but also to equip children with the analytical and evaluative skills that lie at the heart of the National Curriculum and of effective historical thinking.

Implementation

History at Aycliffe Drive is taught through an enquiry-led approach that encourages children to “think like historians.” Lessons are designed to develop both substantive knowledge (what we know about the past) and disciplinary knowledge (how historians construct that knowledge), in line with the expectations of the National Curriculum. Children engage with a range of historical sources—including artefacts, photographs, documents, stories and digital materials—allowing them to investigate the past first-hand and understand how evidence is gathered, interpreted and questioned. Visits to museums, heritage sites and local places of interest enrich learning and help pupils connect classroom study with the real historical world.

Through these varied experiences, children learn to think critically, weigh evidence, form reasoned conclusions and present their ideas with clarity. They work both independently and collaboratively, asking questions, debating interpretations and developing their confidence as young historians. As pupils progress, they will build a secure chronological framework, gain a deeper understanding of past societies and

develop the ability to identify causes, consequences, similarities and differences across time.

Impact

We aim to make sure that our history curriculum develops confident and curious learners. By the time they leave Aycliffe Drive, children can talk clearly about historical ideas, draw links between different periods, and understand how Britain and the wider world have changed. We also want them to develop a secure knowledge of the past, an appreciation of diversity, and the ability to think critically about the information they encounter. Ultimately, we aim to equip pupils to become reflective, informed citizens who understand their place in history.

Supporting Documents