History

At St Stephen’s, History is a key part of our curriculum, designed to spark curiosity and develop a strong understanding of the past. We aim to give pupils the knowledge and skills to understand how people and events have shaped the world we live in today. Through engaging lessons and enriching experiences, we inspire pupils to see themselves as informed, responsible global citizens with a deep connection to both their local heritage and the wider world.

Our knowledge-rich curriculum takes children on a journey through time, where they encounter diverse stories, cultures, and perspectives. Pupils learn how the actions and decisions of the past continue to influence societies today. This helps them build a strong sense of identity, empathy, and responsibility, preparing them to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

We make history come alive through immersive, hands-on experiences that enhance classroom learning. Pupils have opportunities to handle artefacts, visit important local historical sites, and participate in practical activities that deepen their understanding. These memorable moments provide pupils with a rich foundation of historical knowledge that stays with them throughout their lives.

Chronology is central to our approach. Pupils learn to organise events in sequence, explore cause and effect, and see how different time periods are connected. Understanding how and why events unfolded helps pupils recognise the significance of key moments in history and their impact on the present and future.

Our curriculum provides a balance between substantive knowledge — key facts, events, and figures — and the concepts that help pupils make sense of these, such as monarchy, democracy, cause, consequence, and significance. Pupils explore these ideas through a range of historical topics, including Ancient Greece, the Shang Dynasty, the Kingdom of Benin, and the Windrush era.

By developing their historical knowledge and understanding, we help pupils to appreciate the diversity of human experience and the importance of fairness, justice, and respect. These values underpin their growth as global citizens, able to reflect on the world’s complexities and their role within it.

At St Stephen’s, we aim to foster a deep and lasting love for history. We believe that understanding the stories of the past helps pupils develop the knowledge, empathy, and critical thinking they need to make positive contributions to their communities and the wider world. History at St Stephen’s is a shared journey that connects generations, guiding our pupils as they shape their future.