Aims

With a wealth of history on our doorstep, Stivichall Primary School takes full advantage of our historical city to educate our children on the city’s past and its impact on the present. We promote respect and appreciation of our local and wider British history through engaging lessons, research, trips and visits from experts. Our goal is to equip pupils with the skills and knowledge to work and think like historians by asking perceptive questions, thinking critically, weighing evidence, sifting arguments and developing perspective and judgement.

We aim to help pupils to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and the relationships between different groups, while reflecting on their own identity and the challenges of their time. An understanding of British Values, such as democracy, tolerance and the rule of law, supports pupils in recognising the impact of decisions people have made in the past and how these decisions continue to shape society today.

Our curriculum explores local, British and global history encouraging pupils to consider not only how and why events occurred but their impact on the present and the future.

Curriculum

History at our school is taught through a themed and topic-based curriculum aligned with the National Curriculum’s knowledge and skills objectives. We make thoughtful cross-curricular links with subjects such as Computing, Guided Reading, Drama, English and Art to enrich learning. Our enquiry-led approach uses ‘Big Questions’ to inspire curiosity, critical thinking and debate. These questions encourage children to develop their own lines of inquiry and foster confidence through discussion, supported by our Philosophy for Children sessions. Regular learning beyond the classroom, including trips and projects, helps bring history to life and deepen understanding.

Outcomes

Pupils’ history learning shows a broad and balanced understanding of key historical knowledge and skills. Children reflect on and improve their work regularly, comparing their progress against their starting points. Through developing critical thinking and analytical skills, children gain a strong comprehension of Britain’s past and global history, growing increasingly curious. Stivichall pupils are passionate about History. Pupils at Stivichall demonstrate well-developed views and opinions, asking perceptive questions and thinking deeply. Regular engagement with historical visits, projects and members of the wider community provides meaningful context, positive role models and real-world connections that enrich their learning experience.

Extending learning beyond school

History comes alive when learning extends beyond the classroom. At home, families can help children deepen their understanding and curiosity by exploring history in fun and meaningful ways. Here are some simple ideas to support your child’s history learning and spark conversations about the past and its connection to today.

• Visit local museums, historical sites or heritage centres to explore history firsthand and connect with the stories learned at school.
• Look through family photo albums or talk to relatives to discover your own family history and share stories together.
• Watch ageappropriate historical documentaries or films that bring key events or periods to life.
• Read storybooks or biographies about historical figures and discuss what you learned.
• Use online resources or apps that offer interactive history games, quizzes and timelines.
• Create your own history project or timeline about a favourite historical event or person.
• Talk about how history connects to the present day. For example, how inventions or events still affect us now.