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History

Intent:

At Crawley Ridge Junior School, our History curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity about the past and develop a secure understanding of how it has shaped the present. We aim to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills and enquiry approaches needed to think critically about historical events and their significance.

Through the study of significant events, individuals and local history, pupils develop a coherent chronological understanding and a strong sense of identity. They are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, analyse evidence, consider different perspectives and make meaningful connections across time and place. Our curriculum supports pupils in becoming reflective learners who understand the complexity of the past and its relevance to their lives today and in the future.

 

Implementation

The Crawley Ridge History curriculum is underpinned by the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum and is delivered through carefully sequenced, topic-led units that ensure full coverage and progression.

Learning is enriched through a range of first-hand experiences, including educational visits, visitors, assemblies and themed days, which deepen engagement and bring history to life.

Progression in historical knowledge and disciplinary skills is carefully planned and built around key concepts:

  • Chronology
  • Similarity and difference
  • Cause and consequence
  • Continuity and change
  • Historical vocabulary
  • Significant individuals and events
  • Local history
  • Historical enquiry, questioning and recording

These concepts are revisited and developed across year groups to deepen understanding and ensure retention over time.

Cross-unit threads such as settlement, culture, beliefs and chronology further strengthen pupils’ ability to make links and build a connected understanding of the past. Pupils are explicitly taught to:

  • Analyse and interpret a range of sources
  • Evaluate the reliability of evidence
  • Develop and justify their own historical interpretations
  • Record their learning in a range of purposeful ways

 

Impact

As a result of our History curriculum, pupils develop secure knowledge of the past, enabling them to know more, remember more and understand more over time. They become increasingly confident historians who can apply key concepts, use subject-specific vocabulary accurately and engage thoughtfully in historical enquiry.

Most pupils achieve age-related expectations in History and are well prepared for the next stage of their education. They leave Crawley Ridge with a deeper understanding of how the past has shaped the present, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.

Assessment is ongoing and responsive. Teachers use questioning, discussion and observation during lessons to assess understanding and address misconceptions. Pupils’ books provide clear evidence of progression through written work, timelines and enquiry-based outcomes.

Pupil voice is used to evaluate confidence, engagement and the use of historical vocabulary. Progress is further assessed through end-of-unit enquiry tasks and teacher judgements, supported by regular moderation and monitoring to ensure consistency and high standards across the school.

 

The History Curriculum and Provision of Needs with SEND

We are committed to ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND and those who are disadvantaged, have full access to an ambitious History curriculum. Teaching is carefully adapted so that every pupil can engage with historical learning and make progress. This includes breaking learning into manageable steps, using knowledge organisers to support understanding of key facts and vocabulary, and providing visual supports such as timelines and images. Teachers pre-teach important concepts and offer a range of ways for pupils to record their ideas, ensuring all learners can access and demonstrate their understanding effectively.

Pupils are supported to develop core historical skills—such as sequencing, questioning, comparing and interpreting evidence—at a pace appropriate to their needs. Teachers use clear modelling, structured tasks and appropriate scaffolding, which is gradually reduced as confidence grows. We ensure that learning remains ambitious for all by adapting resources and questioning, offering additional support where needed and providing opportunities for hands-on, engaging experiences. Teachers work closely with the SENDCo and families to ensure that support is tailored effectively and enables every child to succeed as a confident historian.