History at Zouch

At Zouch, we aim to inspire pupils to become curious, thoughtful and reflective historians. Through the study of history, children develop an understanding of Britain's past and that of the wider world, helping them to appreciate how historical events and people have shaped the society we live in today.

History is taught for one hour each week and alternates with Geography on a termly basis. This enables pupils to study each subject in depth whilst building and retaining key knowledge and skills over time. We also teach history during national celebrations across the year, such as Black History month, Remembrance and Women’s History Month.  

Our curriculum is carefully planned to ensure that learning is both knowledge-rich and skill-based. Pupils develop a secure understanding of significant events, people and periods from local, British and world history. Alongside this, they learn and apply the skills of a historian through questioning, investigating sources, identifying similarities and differences, recognising cause and consequence, and making informed judgements based on evidence.

Across the school, learning is sequenced progressively so that children revisit and build upon prior knowledge. They develop a strong sense of chronology and historical understanding, enabling them to make connections between different periods and themes. Pupils are encouraged to think critically, consider different viewpoints and understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources.

History Across the Year Groups:

EYFS (Nursery and Reception):

  • Understanding the World

Year 1:

  • Term 1 - Space Explorers
  • Term 3 - Toys Over Time
  • Term 5 - Castles and Knights

Year 2:

  • Term 2 - Great Fire of London
  • Term 4 - At The Seaside
  • Term 6 - Famous Flights 

Year 3:

  • Term 1 - Stone Age to Iron Age
  • Term 3 - Ancient Maya
  • Term 5 - Ancient Egypt 

Year 4:

  • Term 2 - Ancient Greece
  • Term 4 - Anglo Saxons
  • Term 6 - Vikings 

Year 5:

  • Term 1 - World War One
  • Term 3 - The Romans
  • Term 6 - Monarchy and the Magna Carta 

Year 6:

  • Term 2 - Battle of Britain
  • Term 4 - Victorian Industry and Inventions
  • Term 6 - Tudor Monarchy 

What Parents Can Do At Home:

Parents play an important role in helping children develop a curiosity about the past. There are many simple and enjoyable ways to support history learning beyond the classroom:

  • Visit local historical sites and museums to bring learning to life. Local attractions such as the Iron Age Museum in Andover, museums, castles, historic houses and heritage sites offer fantastic opportunities for children to explore the past first-hand.
  • Encourage reading for pleasure. When visiting the library, help your child choose a fiction or non-fiction book linked to a historical period they are studying or are interested in. Historical stories and biographies are excellent ways to build knowledge and understanding.
  • Talk about family history. Looking at old photographs, sharing memories and discussing how life has changed over time can help children develop an understanding of chronology and change.
  • Watch documentaries or educational programmes together. Many child-friendly programmes explore historical events and significant people in an engaging way.
  • Explore local history. Take walks around your local area and discuss historic buildings, monuments, churches or landmarks. Encourage your child to ask questions about who lived there and how the area has changed over time.
  • Discuss current events and commemorations. National events such as Remembrance Day provide valuable opportunities to talk about the past and its impact on the present.

Above all, fostering curiosity and encouraging children to ask questions about the world around them helps develop the skills of a young historian. Every conversation, visit or book can help bring history to life and deepen their understanding of the past.