History helps children understand how the past has shaped the world we live in today. Through exploring people, events and societies from different periods, children develop curiosity, empathy and a deeper understanding of their place in the world.

Our Vision for History

At Bathford Church School, our vision of Grow, Care, Serve, Share is at the heart of our History curriculum.

We want children to develop a strong understanding of the past and to become curious historians who ask questions, investigate evidence and think critically about different perspectives.

Through the study of history, children learn about the achievements, challenges and experiences of people from a wide range of times and cultures. They develop an appreciation of how societies have changed over time and how the actions of individuals and communities continue to influence our lives today.

Our curriculum is enriched by the rich history of Bath and the surrounding area, providing opportunities for children to make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them.

What Do Children Learn?

We use the Kapow Primary History curriculum alongside our carefully planned long-term curriculum to ensure that knowledge and skills are progressively developed throughout the school.

Children learn about:

• British history
• Local history
• Ancient civilisations
• Significant individuals
• Historical events and their impact
• Chronology and change over time
• Cause and consequence
• Similarities and differences between societies
• Historical enquiry and interpretation

Our History curriculum is linked to our whole-school themes of:

• Identity and Diversity
• Social Justice and Equity
• Sustainable Development

These themes help children make meaningful connections between the past, present and future.

How Do Children Learn?

History is taught through engaging enquiry questions that encourage children to investigate, analyse and discuss historical evidence.

Children learn through:

• Exploring artefacts and historical sources
• Asking and answering historical questions
• Comparing different periods and societies
• Learning about significant people and events
• Developing chronological understanding
• Educational visits and local learning opportunities
• Discussion, debate and historical enquiry

Children are encouraged to think like historians, considering different viewpoints and evaluating evidence to form their own conclusions.

Historical vocabulary is carefully developed throughout the school to help children communicate their understanding clearly and confidently.

In Key Stage 2, History is taught as part of our mixed-age afternoon learning model. Learning is carefully sequenced to ensure children build their historical knowledge and understanding progressively as they move through the school.

What Will Children Take Away?

Through History, children develop:

• Curiosity about the past
• An understanding of chronology and change over time
• Historical enquiry and research skills
• Critical thinking and evaluation skills
• Respect for different cultures, beliefs and experiences
• An appreciation of how the past influences the present

We want our children to leave Bathford as thoughtful and informed young people who understand the importance of history and can use their knowledge to make sense of the world around them.

History Curriculum

Our History Long-Term Plan provides an overview of the key historical periods, events, individuals and concepts studied throughout the school. It shows how learning is carefully sequenced to develop children's historical knowledge, understanding and enquiry skills over time.

History Long Term Plan  

Children explore a wide range of historical topics, including explorers, monarchs, childhood through history, Ancient Egypt, the Vikings, Ancient Greece, the Maya civilisation, World War Two, the Bristol Bus Boycott, Tudor England, Roman Britain and prehistory. They also learn about significant individuals and events through the Early Years curriculum and local history studies.