Through our history curriculum at Sir John Lillie Primary School, we aim to inspire our children to be curious thinkers who are confident to ask questions to develop their knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Our curriculum and lessons promote critical thinking. They support our children in developing their skills in asking questions, and in explaining and analysing historical evidence.

Within topics and lessons, we revisit and build upon previously learnt knowledge and skills to support our children in developing a secure understanding of topics and concepts studied. The sequence of topics studied and the progression of knowledge and skills, support our children in building on their understanding of chronology and in making connections over different periods of time.

Our curriculum supports our children in building an understanding of significant events and individuals in global, British and local history, and to recognise how things have changed over time.

History supports children in understanding the complexity of people’s lives, the diversity of societies and the relationships between different groups. Studying history allows children to appreciate the many reasons why people may behave in the way they do, supporting children to develop empathy for others while providing an opportunity to learn from the past.  

To further enrich our history curriculum and to engage the children in their learning, we plan opportunities for our children to deepen their understanding of topics studied through educational visits.

Please click on our progression map and long term plan below to find out more about how history is taught at Sir John Lillie Primary School.