The History Curriculum at St Thomas'

Knowledge Rich and Academic

At St Thomas’, we deliver an ambitious, knowledge-based history curriculum that aims to inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. It helps pupils gain a coherent, chronological knowledge and understanding of the past and enables them to use core knowledge of dates, events and people to talk confidently about a range of historical periods in Britain and the wider world. The history curriculum builds upon prior knowledge in a carefully sequenced curriculum, both within and between year groups, and makes links to other subject areas. Pupils develop an understanding of key substantive concepts (parliament, civilisation, empire, democracy and monarchy) that act as threads throughout the history curriculum from the beginning to the end of the pupils’ primary education.

Reading and Vocabulary

Because we believe that reading is the key to all learning, every history lesson contains an element of reading that pupils use to understand more about the past. Each lesson also begins with introducing the STAR words: these are key words for the lesson that help build pupils’ vocabulary and historical understanding. They are displayed within the classroom on the history working wall, and pupils are expected to use them in written tasks when applying their knowledge in the lesson.

Christian Values

At our school, we integrate Christian values such as peace, responsibility, and respect into our history curriculum, providing students with a holistic education that promotes moral and ethical development. Through the study of historical events and figures, students are encouraged to reflect on the importance of peace and the consequences of conflict. By examining the actions of individuals and societies throughout history, students learn about the significance of taking responsibility for one's actions and the impact they have on others. Additionally, our curriculum emphasizes the value of respect for people from different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs, fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students feel valued and supported. Through these connections with Christian values, we aim to develop compassionate, responsible, and respectful global citizens who are equipped to contribute positively to society.

Celebrate Diversity

At St. Thomas', we recognize the vital importance of cultural diversity within the history curriculum. By embracing diverse perspectives and narratives, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complexities of human history. Through the exploration of different cultures, students learn to appreciate and respect the experiences, traditions, and contributions of people from around the world. For example, our curriculum includes the study of ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, and Egypt allowing students to delve into the rich cultural heritage of these societies. Additionally, we examine the impact of European exploration and colonization on indigenous cultures, fostering an understanding of the consequences of cultural encounters. By including diverse voices and stories in our history curriculum, such as learning about the Suffragettes, we aim to promote empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the multicultural world in which we live.

Experiences and Life Skills

At St. Thomas', we believe that enrichment opportunities within the history curriculum are essential for fostering well-rounded, engaged learners. Through these opportunities, students not only gain a deeper understanding of historical events and periods but also develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills. By exploring different historical perspectives, students learn to think critically about the world around them and develop empathy and understanding for different cultures and societies. Additionally, enrichment activities such as debates, research projects and visits to museums enhance students' communication skills, allowing them to articulate their ideas effectively. Through these experiences, students acquire not only a rich knowledge of the past but also the skills necessary to become informed and engaged citizens of the future.

Excellence

Our curriculum is ambitious, setting the highest standards of pupils’ learning and expecting excellence in pupils’ work. We go above and beyond national curriculum requirements to provide our students with a comprehensive and engaging historical education. Through a carefully crafted curriculum, enriched with a wide range of resources, including primary sources and multimedia materials, we ensure that our students receive a well-rounded historical education. Moreover, we aspire for excellence in our students' work, both written and oral, encouraging them to express their ideas articulately and persuasively. We also place a strong emphasis on the retention of knowledge over time, employing strategies that help students remember and apply what they have learned long after they have left our classrooms. By setting high expectations and providing a supportive learning environment, we empower our students to achieve their full potential and become informed, critical, and engaged citizens.

We recently received the History Association Gold Quality Mark, in recognition for the outstanding and bespoke History Curriculum we offer at St. Thomas'. Please click on the link below to read the full report.