History at St. Ignatius

Intent

At St Ignatius Catholic Primary School, our History curriculum is designed to help pupils understand the past and appreciate how it has shaped the world today. Using Grammarsaurus, our curriculum is knowledge-rich, carefully sequenced, and focused on developing historical enquiry, critical thinking, and chronological understanding.

Our intent is to ensure pupils:

• Acquire a secure knowledge of key historical events, figures, and periods, both nationally and globally

• Develop historical vocabulary and the ability to communicate ideas effectively

• Build enquiry skills, including asking questions, analysing sources, comparing interpretations, and constructing evidence-based explanations

• Understand the causes and consequences of events and recognise how the past influences the present and future

We aim for all pupils, regardless of ability, to develop curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of history.

Implementation

Our History curriculum is delivered through structured, enquiry-based lessons planned and sequenced using Grammarsaurus to ensure progression in knowledge, skills, and vocabulary.

Key features of our implementation include:

• Sequenced lessons that build on prior learning and revisit concepts to consolidate knowledge

• Explicit teaching of chronology, historical vocabulary, and significant concepts

• Opportunities for historical enquiry, including examining artefacts, primary and secondary sources, and historical interpretations

• Cross-curricular links to English, Geography, and Art where meaningful to enrich understanding

• Assessment for learning to check understanding, address misconceptions, and support progress for all learners

Lessons are inclusive, with differentiated support for pupils with SEND and extension activities for more able learners.

Impact

The impact of our History curriculum is that pupils:

• Retain and apply historical knowledge confidently

• Can articulate understanding using precise historical vocabulary

• Demonstrate curiosity and a critical approach to exploring the past

• Apply enquiry skills to analyse evidence and make reasoned judgements

• Understand the connections between past and present, developing a sense of identity and cultural awareness

By the end of Year 6, pupils leave St Ignatius Catholic Primary School as thoughtful, knowledgeable historians, able to interpret, analyse, and communicate historical knowledge, well prepared for the next stage of their education.