At Wolsey House Primary School, the teaching and learning of history is rooted in developing both substantive and disciplinary knowledge, empowering our pupils to think, question, and investigate like historians. Substantive knowledge encompasses the key events, people, periods and civilisations that have shaped Britain and the wider world, forming the framework of our curriculum. Disciplinary knowledge focuses on how historians construct knowledge about the past through sources, interpretations, cause and consequence, and historical significance. This approach ensures children not only learn what happened in the past but also how and why we know it happened.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children begin to develop historical awareness through the area of Understanding the World. They begin explore the concepts of past and present by discussing events in their own lives and their family’s through stories and play. These early experiences lay the foundation and learning is carefully planned to spark curiosity about the world around them, laying the foundation for the more structured historical enquiry they will encounter in Key Stages 1 and 2. From Year 1 to Year 6, History is taught through engaging, carefully sequenced units that are designed to build historical understanding over time. Each year group explores a variety of topics that reflect local, national, and global history, encouraging children to make meaningful connections across time periods and themes. Enquiry questions drive each unit, encouraging pupils to think critically, analyse evidence and form their own judgements. To bring history to life, we enhance learning through a range of experiences, including educational visits to historical sites and in-school workshops led by visitors. These experiences allow pupils to engage directly with the past, for example, during the study of the Mayan civilisation, children take part in an interactive day led by specialists who help them explore Mayan beliefs, daily life, and achievements through artefacts, storytelling, and hands-on activities. These opportunities deepen understanding, spark curiosity, and make history memorable and meaningful for all learners at our school.