History

Vision

At Cayley, we aim to foster a lifelong passion for history by building a coherent chronological understanding from EYFS through KS2. Pupils explore Britain’s past and the history of the wider world, making meaningful connections between events and their impact. Our curriculum develops critical thinkers who can analyse evidence, differentiate between source types, and ask perceptive questions. Through clear skill progression and measurable outcomes, pupils learn from the past and grow into informed, responsible citizens.

Intent

Our history curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ curiosity, critical thinking, and understanding of the past. Pupils gain knowledge of key historical events, periods, and figures while learning to evaluate sources, identify bias, and construct evidence-based explanations.

We encourage pupils to:

• explore British history alongside significant events from the wider world
• develop chronological understanding and link events across time
• analyse and evaluate primary and secondary sources
• engage in historical enquiry through questioning and discussion

History also supports pupils’ understanding of how the past shapes the present and their sense of global citizenship.

Implementation

Pupils complete three history units each year, with lessons sequenced to ensure clear progression of knowledge and skills. Lessons are typically one per week, lasting around 60 minutes, although timetables may vary. Pupils record their learning in humanities books, often across a two-page spread.

We follow the CUSP curriculum, which provides a structured scheme of work with clear progression in knowledge and skills. Teachers use CUSP lesson plans and resources, including historical artefacts, primary and secondary sources, and timelines. Before teaching each unit, teachers are encouraged to review CUSP guidance and instructional videos to understand the sequence of learning, key concepts, and intended outcomes. Planning incorporates retrieval tasks, scaffolding, and opportunities for enrichment, such as visits to museums or historical sites.

Lessons follow a structured approach:

• retrieval of prior learning
• introduction of key vocabulary
• teacher modelling and explanation using sources, artefacts, and timelines
• guided practice with support
• independent application in books
• challenge tasks to deepen understanding and encourage higher-order thinking

Opportunities for collaboration and oracy are built into lessons. Lessons are adapted to meet all pupils’ needs, including scaffolding, visual prompts, simplified texts, pre-teaching vocabulary, chunked tasks, and extension opportunities for higher attainers.

Impact

Pupils develop a strong understanding of historical concepts, events, and sources while building skills in analysis, reasoning, and critical thinking. They learn to evaluate evidence, make connections across time, and communicate their understanding effectively.

Progress is assessed through:

• formative methods such as questioning, observation, retrieval tasks, and feedback on source analysis
• summative assessments at the end of each unit using low-stakes quizzes and written outcomes

Monitoring includes book looks, lesson visits, planning checks, and pupil voice to ensure high-quality teaching, consistent curriculum coverage, and skill development.

As a result, pupils leave Cayley with a deep historical knowledge, confidence in analysing and interpreting the past, and the skills to become informed and thoughtful citizens.