At Westfield, our History curriculum has been thoughtfully developed to inspire pupils to become curious, creative and critical thinkers with a deep and connected understanding of local, national and global history. We want our learners to develop the confidence to ask meaningful questions, think analytically, and explain and interpret historical evidence with increasing independence.

Our curriculum builds pupils’ awareness of significant events, individuals and civilisations, helping them to recognise how societies have changed over time. Through the study of History, children come to appreciate the complexity of people’s lives, the diversity of cultures, and the relationships between different groups. It also supports the development of empathy and provides opportunities to reflect on the lessons we can learn from the past.

A key focus of our curriculum is developing a secure understanding of chronology. Pupils learn to make connections across time periods and build a chronologically coherent narrative of the past. They also gain insight into how historians study the past and construct accounts, and they develop the skills to carry out their own historical enquiries using a range of sources and interpretations.

To prepare pupils for future learning, our curriculum introduces key substantive concepts such as power, invasion, settlement and migration, empire, civilisation, religion, trade, achievements of humankind, society and culture. These concepts are revisited and deepened over time, helping pupils to build a strong conceptual framework for understanding the past.

Our History curriculum enables pupils to meet the end-of-key-stage expectations set out in the National Curriculum. In the Early Years Foundation Stage, learning experiences support children in working towards the Understanding the World Development Matters statements and Early Learning Goals, while laying secure foundations for future historical learning in Key Stage 1.

 

 

In order to meet the aims of the National Curriculum for History and in response to the Ofsted Research Review into History, we have identified the following key strands that underpin our Westfield History curriculum:

These strands are carefully interwoven throughout all our History units to create engaging and enriching learning experiences that allow pupils to explore the past as historians do. Our curriculum places strong emphasis on the idea that historical knowledge is shaped by disciplinary approaches — encouraging children to ask questions, examine evidence, and construct their own interpretations.

Each unit of learning includes a clear focus on chronology, helping pupils to understand the time period they are studying in relation to other historical events and eras. This chronological awareness enables children to make meaningful comparisons across time and place, deepening their understanding of change and continuity.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children begin to explore the concept of history by reflecting on key experiences from their own lives. They learn that everyone has a personal history and begin to compare and contrast characters from stories, including historical figures. These early experiences help children understand how individual lives fit into broader historical narratives.

As pupils move into Key Stage 1, they develop a stronger awareness of the past and begin to place people and events in chronological order. This supports the development of a ‘mental timeline’ that they will continue to build on throughout Key Stage 2, enabling them to identify connections, contrasts and trends over time.

Our Westfield timeline and progression documents support the development of this chronological understanding, ensuring that pupils revisit and deepen their knowledge as they move through the school.

 

 

Lessons in our Westfield History curriculum are designed to be varied, engaging and hands-on, allowing pupils to experience the full range of historical enquiry. In each lesson, children engage with both disciplinary and substantive concepts, developing their understanding of Britain’s past and its place in the wider world. They build knowledge of key historical ideas, strengthen their chronological understanding, and gain in-depth insight into the specific contexts they study.

To ensure that all pupils can access the curriculum, adaptation guidance is provided for every lesson. This includes strategies to support learners with additional needs and opportunities to stretch and challenge those working at greater depth. Knowledge organisers accompany each unit, helping pupils consolidate their learning by encouraging the recall of key facts, concepts and vocabulary.

We recognise that strong subject knowledge is essential for delivering a high-quality History curriculum. Each unit is carefully structured to highlight the key knowledge teachers need, make links with prior learning, and anticipate common misconceptions. Our curriculum has been developed with the understanding that not all teachers may feel confident delivering every aspect of History, so we have built in clear support to ensure that all staff feel equipped to teach with clarity, confidence and enthusiasm.