History
Intent
At St Martin’s Catholic Primary School, we aim to inspire pupils to develop a curiosity and fascination about the past, both in Britain and the wider world. Through the Kapow Primary History scheme, pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world, helping them to make sense of the present and their place within it.
Rooted in our Catholic values of dignity, respect and social justice, our history curriculum encourages pupils to reflect on human experiences, moral choices and the impact individuals and communities have had over time. Pupils are supported to ask thoughtful questions, consider different perspectives and develop empathy for people living in different times and circumstances.
The curriculum is carefully sequenced so that pupils build secure historical knowledge and understanding over time. Key concepts such as chronology, cause and consequence, similarity and difference, historical significance and interpretation are revisited and deepened across year groups. Vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited to support pupils in articulating historical understanding with increasing confidence and precision.
We are ambitious for all learners, including pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils. Lessons are designed to be inclusive, accessible and meaningful, ensuring all pupils can engage with and succeed in history.
Implementation
History at St Martin’s is taught using the Kapow Primary History scheme, which is fully aligned with the National Curriculum and provides a clear progression of knowledge, skills and vocabulary from EYFS to Year 6.
History is taught in blocked units, allowing pupils to immerse themselves in historical enquiry and develop a deeper understanding of each period studied.
Each unit follows a clear learning sequence that builds knowledge over time and supports pupils in thinking and working like historians.
Lessons explicitly revisit prior learning, enabling pupils to make connections between periods and strengthen long-term memory.
Teachers use Kapow’s high-quality resources, including carefully chosen sources, artefacts, images and historical accounts, to bring history to life. Enquiry-based questions underpin learning, encouraging pupils to:
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ask questions about the past
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analyse evidence
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consider different viewpoints
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draw conclusions and justify ideas
Key historical vocabulary is modelled and reinforced in every lesson. Teachers use retrieval practice, discussion, and purposeful questioning to check understanding and address misconceptions in the moment.
Lessons are adapted to meet the needs of all learners. This includes:
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pre-teaching and overlearning of key vocabulary
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scaffolded tasks and visual supports
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opportunities for over-learning and consolidation
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adult support and targeted questioning
Assessment is ongoing and purposeful. Teachers assess pupils’ understanding through discussion, low-stakes quizzes, written outcomes and end-of-unit tasks. This informs future planning and ensures learning gaps are addressed promptly.
Impact
By the time pupils leave St Martin’s Catholic Primary School, they have developed a secure and coherent understanding of key periods, people and events in history and can place these confidently within a chronological framework.
Pupils:
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can talk knowledgeably about what they have learned using accurate historical vocabulary
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make meaningful connections between different historical periods
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explain cause and consequence and identify similarities and differences
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show curiosity about the past and ask thoughtful questions
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demonstrate respect and empathy when learning about people and societies different from their own
Work in books, pupil discussions and teacher assessment evidence demonstrate that pupils know more, remember more and can do more in history over time. Pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education, with a strong foundation in historical knowledge, enquiry skills and critical thinking.
History at St Martin’s supports pupils in becoming informed, reflective and compassionate individuals, living out our Catholic values as they learn from the past to shape a better future.
