History at Ashbrook Junior School

At Ashbrook Junior School, our history curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity about the past and develop children's understanding of how historical events, people and civilisations have shaped the world we live in today.

Our carefully sequenced curriculum develops children's substantive knowledge (what we know about the past) alongside their disciplinary knowledge (how we investigate and interpret history). Through the study of British, local and world history, children build a secure understanding of chronology and make meaningful connections between different historical periods.

Our history curriculum is carefully designed to help children build connections between different historical periods, civilisations and events. Children explore how societies have developed and changed over time, investigating the causes and consequences of significant events, considering similarities and differences between societies, and developing an understanding of historical significance. This approach enables children to build upon prior knowledge and develop an increasingly secure understanding of the past.

We place a strong emphasis on historical enquiry, encouraging children to think and work like historians. Through investigating primary and secondary sources, evaluating evidence and considering different interpretations, children develop their ability to ask questions, construct explanations and make informed judgements about the past.

By exploring significant events, individuals and civilisations, alongside our rich local heritage, we aim to develop knowledgeable, curious and critical thinkers who understand how the past connects to the present.