At St. Joseph’s, our intention is that every child becomes an interested, inquisitive and knowledgeable historian with a strong understanding of the past and its influence on the world today.

We follow the National Curriculum programmes of study and aim to develop confident historians who are well equipped to continue their studies in History as they progress through education. Pupils are challenged to think, act and speak like historians, through a consistent and progressive approach across all year groups.

Both substantive knowledge and disciplinary knowledge are explicitly taught:

  • • Substantive knowledge refers to the historical people, events, periods and developments pupils learn about
  • • Disciplinary knowledge refers to how historians work — including interpreting evidence, analysing sources, weighing interpretations and understanding key concepts such as chronology, change, continuity, cause and consequence

High quality History teaching is a priority at St. Joseph’s and forms part of a coherent and progressive curriculum from EYFS to Year 6 and beyond. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure meaningful progression, with strong links made within and across key stages to build a clear chronological framework.

Key historical vocabulary is taught explicitly and in context, with careful revisiting to support long term retention. Historical concepts are rooted in the study of real people, events and periods, bringing learning to life and enabling pupils to develop a deep and lasting understanding of the past.

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Implementation

History at St. Joseph’s is taught through cohesive, sequential units which build securely on prior learning and develop both knowledge and historical thinking.

Each unit is planned around four key concepts, which underpin all History learning:

  • Chronology
  • Communicating History
  • Investigating the Past
  • Thinking like a Historian

Units are collaboratively planned using high quality educational resources and specialist subject knowledge, ensuring appropriate challenge, depth and progression. Teaching is informed by cognitive science research, including the use of spaced retrieval, metacognition and regular opportunities to practise and apply learning.

Teachers:

  • Make explicit links to previous learning
  • Encourage pupils to connect knowledge across units and time periods
  • Use formative assessment to adapt teaching and support learning

Lessons are planned in clear sequences that allow pupils to review, remember, deepen and apply their understanding. Wider opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom, enhance pupils’ historical experiences.

Historical Enquiry and Careers

Careers education is explicitly embedded within every History unit.

Pupils learn about:

  • How historians work and construct knowledge about the past
  • The role of evidence, sources and interpretation
  • Careers linked to History, helping pupils understand how historical skills are used in real world contexts

Careers explored may include:

  • Historians and researchers
  • Archivists and museum curators
  • Archaeologists
  • Heritage and conservation officers
  • Journalists and writers
  • Lawyers and policymakers

This explicit focus helps pupils understand the purpose of studying History, builds cultural capital and raises aspirations by showing how historical knowledge and skills support a wide range of future pathways.

Impact

By the time pupils leave St. Joseph’s, they will have:

  • Developed a secure chronological understanding of British, local and world history
  • Built knowledge of significant historical people, events and periods
  • Gained confidence in historical enquiry, including analysing sources and interpretations
  • Used historical vocabulary accurately and fluently
  • Made meaningful connections across time periods and topics
  • Developed an awareness of history related careers and future opportunities

Pupil dialogue and work demonstrate a high standard of History learning, with pupils able to explain their understanding clearly using subject specific language. Enjoyment of History is visible, and pupils are able to reflect, debate and write thoughtfully about the past.

Pupils leave St. Joseph’s with rich cultural capital, a deep and lasting understanding of History, and the ability to think critically like historians, fully prepared for Key Stage 3 and the wider world.