History Curriculum Intent at Whitstone 

At Whitstone we value the importance of History and its place in the children’s learning. We aim to inspire and ignite the curiosity of the past and present and to  and understand the impact that historical events can have on our lives. Through careful planning, we deliver high-quality history education which will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world in order to  on how this has effected us today.

We aim to inspire pupils’ curiosity and  to know more about the past and equip them to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, shift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. As historians  to uncover more of the past to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time. 

In Cycle A, Acorns will begin the autumn term by studying the project Childhood. This project builds on children's past experiences, including their family history and events within living memory.

In the summer term, the children will study School Days, which will enable the children to learn the history of our school and compare this to schooling in the Victorian period. 

Through Cycle B, the children will extend their studies to explore a broader range of time frames during autumn term with Movers and Shakers. Where they will explore the concept of significance and the significant people that have greatly influenced history.

During summer term the children will continue to develop their knowledge of significant people with the topic Magnificent Monarchs. This project introduced the children to the challenging concepts of power and monarchy especially with the great changes that have occurred within our current monarchy and in preparation for more complex historical topics in Key Stage 2. 

The children will begin Cycle A by studying the chronology of British history in Through the Ages. This topic teaches children about the significance of prehistoric periods and the changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age.

In the summer term, the children will continue to develop their knowledge of the chronology of British history in the project Emperors and Empires. This topic teaches the children about the Roman Empire and it's invasion of Britain.

In the autumn of Cycle B, the children will resume their learning about British history in the topic Invasion. Where we will begin to explore the Roman withdrawal and the invasion and settlement of Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, with the term concluding at 1066. 

Sapling class will then end the summer term with the study of ancient history in Ancient Civilisations. Where the children will learn about the achievements of the earliest civilisations, including ancient Sumer, the Indus Valley civilisation and ancient Egypt. 

Oak class will continue to build on their knowledge of ancient civilisations with an in-depth analysis of Ancient China in the topic Dynamic Dynasties. This will enable the children to study the significance and influence of ancient China and its prowess and advancements in the written word, technology and metalwork. 

In the summer term, the children will further research ancient and world history in the second topic of Cycle A with Ground-Breaking Greeks. Where they will explore life in Ancient Greece, including examining the achievements and influence of Ancient Greece on the western world. 

Cycle B will then involve the study of more complex historical issues of enslavement, colonialism and power in Maafa. This topic encourages the children to explore a range of African kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Benin, and study Britain's role in the development, perpetuation and abolition of the slave trade. 

The final topic for history completes their historical studies with the topic Britain at War, which enables the children to inquire what kind of role the war has played in Britain's history since 1066, focusing on the First and Second World Wars as crucial turning points in British history.