At Davyhulme Primary School, our History curriculum is taught in chronological order, with cross curricular links to enable a deeper understanding of the passage of time, full immersion of the topic,and maximum engagement. We seek to inspire a curiosity about the past by bringing history to lifewith first hand experiences such as historical school trips and visiting workshops, alongside engaging lessons designed to give children the opportunity to develop fundamental skills. Children are encouraged to explore the past through a variety of sources, allowing for enquiry based learning where they can become History detectives; sifting and sorting through information to find clues and evidence to select and discuss with their peers. As our pupils progress, they will become equipped to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence and develop perspective.

We want pupils to understand the process of change, and how the past has shaped the present both in British and worldwide history. Wherever possible, close links are made with our local context, for example Year 4 study the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the lives of local people by visiting Styal Mill in Cheshire and Year 5 visit Stockport air-raid shelters as part of their studies on World War II – why was the Battle of Britain a turning point in British history. Year 5 also find out about the impact of World War II on the lives of local people in Trafford Park, and also our school community by looking at school archives.

History is taught as a discrete subject in order to emphasise the importance of this subject. Cross-curricular links are made wherever possible, for example Year pupils write recounts about air-raid attacks during English lessons and Year 3 pupils look at Stone Age art. We encourage our pupils to use the language, ‘ I am a historian’ in order to promote the use of historical skills.