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History

At Bamford Academy, we are Historians!

From the moment children join us, we encourage them to ask questions, explore the past and discover how people and events have shaped the world we live in today. At Bamford Academy, History is an opportunity to spark curiosity, uncover fascinating stories and help children make sense of the world around them.

Our children are at the heart of everything we do. Through engaging lessons, historical investigations and opportunities to explore evidence from the past, we nurture their unique interests and talents, helping them become happy, ambitious and curious lifelong learners.

We want our children to develop a strong understanding of the past, from the history of Britain to the lives of people and civilisations around the world. By exploring different periods, cultures and experiences, children learn to ask questions, think critically and recognise how the past continues to influence the present.

History also reflects our five core values of Respect, Responsibility, Perseverance, Kindness and Acceptance. By learning about different people, communities and ways of life, children develop an appreciation of diversity and a greater understanding of the society in which they live. You can read more on our Our Values page and in our Headteacher’s Welcome.

We hope this page helps you understand what your child will experience in History and how you can share in their learning journey.

History – At a glance

History is taught through engaging, interactive lessons that encourage curiosity and a love of learning about the past.
Our curriculum is rooted in the National Curriculum and develops children's historical knowledge and enquiry skills.
Children learn to ask questions, examine evidence and use historical sources to investigate people, events and periods from the past.
They develop a sense of chronology, helping them understand when events happened and how different periods connect.
Artefacts, photographs, historical footage, role play, museum visits and oral history help bring the past to life.
Discussions and debates encourage children to explain their ideas, consider different perspectives and support their opinions with evidence.
Children develop their historical vocabulary and learn to communicate their understanding through speaking, discussion and writing.
Lessons are inclusive and adapted to help every child participate, develop their knowledge and make progress.

Intent: Why we teach History at Bamford Academy

At Bamford Academy, we want History to inspire curiosity, encourage thoughtful questions and help children develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Our vision is to create an engaging and ambitious curriculum that enables every child to explore the past, develop their historical knowledge and become an independent thinker. We want children to understand how people lived, how societies changed and how historical events have helped shape the world we live in today.

Through the study of British history and the wider world, children develop a secure sense of chronology and learn to make connections between different people, places and periods. They are encouraged to consider how the past has influenced the present and how historical experiences can help us understand our own identities and communities.

History is about more than remembering dates and events. We want our children to become confident Historians who ask questions, investigate evidence, recognise different perspectives and draw their own conclusions. By learning to examine sources and think critically about the information they discover, children develop skills that will support them throughout their education and adult lives.

We recognise that every child brings their own interests, experiences and abilities to the classroom. Our curriculum aims to nurture these individual strengths, ensuring all children have opportunities to participate, develop their understanding and reach their full potential.

Ultimately, we want children to leave Bamford Academy with a lasting interest in History, an appreciation of different cultures and experiences, and the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions as future citizens.

How does History help children learn about British values?

History helps children understand how society has changed and how people's actions have shaped modern Britain. Children explore democracy through the development of government and campaigns for change, the Rule of Law through changing laws and rights, Mutual Respect and tolerance by learning about different cultures and beliefs, and Individual Liberty through stories of people who stood up for their freedoms.

Our Bamford values of Respect, Perseverance, Kindness, Acceptance and Responsibility run through our History curriculum. By investigating the past, children learn to question evidence, consider different perspectives and understand how history can help us make informed choices for the future.

Implementation: How we teach History at Bamford Academy

Our History curriculum is taught through investigation and enquiry, giving children opportunities to explore the past, ask questions and discover answers for themselves.

Lessons are rooted in the key historical knowledge and skills outlined in the National Curriculum. Children explore a diverse range of topics, developing their understanding of historical events, people and societies while learning how historians investigate and interpret the past.

Throughout their learning, children have opportunities to:

Ask historical questions: Develop curiosity by asking questions about people, events and periods and investigating possible answers.
Explore historical evidence: Examine artefacts, photographs, written sources and other evidence to find out what life was like in the past.
Develop a sense of chronology: Understand when events happened, how periods relate to one another and how life has changed over time.
Compare and make connections: Identify similarities and differences between people, societies and historical periods.
Interpret the past: Consider different perspectives, recognise that sources can provide different accounts and use evidence to draw conclusions.
Communicate historical understanding: Develop subject-specific vocabulary and explain their ideas through discussion, debate and written work.

We bring History to life through a range of teaching approaches that encourage children to participate actively and develop their understanding.

Exploring artefacts and sources

Children investigate historical evidence, including artefacts, images and written sources. These experiences encourage them to look closely, ask questions and consider what evidence can tell us about the past.

Discussion and debate

Children share their ideas, listen to different viewpoints and learn to explain and justify their opinions. These discussions help them develop their historical reasoning and think more deeply about the people and events they study.

Immersive learning experiences

Role play, historical footage, museum visits and oral history provide opportunities for children to engage with the past in meaningful ways. These experiences help bring historical people, places and events to life.

Historical writing

Children use their knowledge to explain what they have learnt, describe historical events and consider different perspectives. Writing activities help them organise their ideas, use historical vocabulary and communicate their understanding clearly.

Vocabulary development

Teachers introduce and revisit important historical terms so that children become increasingly confident using subject-specific language in their spoken and written work.

Working walls

Classroom working walls showcase learning, helping children revisit key knowledge, vocabulary and ideas throughout a topic. They provide a useful reference point as children build on previous learning and make connections.

Cross-curricular links also help children connect their History learning with other subjects, strengthening their understanding and showing how knowledge can be applied in different contexts.

In the classroom – an example

When studying a historical period, children might begin by exploring photographs, artefacts or written sources and discussing what these reveal about life at the time. They could ask questions, compare the evidence with what they already know and consider how people's lives differed from their own.

Through teacher-led discussion and investigation, children develop their understanding of the period and begin to recognise similarities, differences and changes over time. They might then use their findings to take part in a debate, write a historical account or explain what the evidence tells them.

This approach encourages children to become active learners who investigate, question and think critically, rather than simply memorising facts.

What you may notice

You may notice your child asking questions about historical events, showing an interest in how people lived in the past or making connections between something they have learnt and the world today.

They may talk about historical figures, compare different periods, use new historical vocabulary or explain why they think a particular source is important.

These are all signs of developing historical curiosity and the confidence to think independently.

Impact: What children achieve in History

At Bamford Academy, we want our children to develop a genuine enthusiasm for History and a secure understanding of the people, events and societies they study.

Through our curriculum, children build their historical knowledge, develop a sense of chronology and learn to make connections across different periods. They become increasingly confident in examining sources, comparing evidence, asking questions and drawing conclusions.

Assessment and ongoing classroom discussion help teachers understand what children know and can do, identify gaps in understanding and plan opportunities for further learning.

We want all children, regardless of their ability or background, to achieve well in History and speak enthusiastically about their learning. By providing engaging lessons and appropriate support, we aim to ensure that every child can participate, develop their skills and make progress.

Our curriculum also helps children understand the diversity of human experiences and the ways in which historical events have shaped modern Britain and the wider world. Fundamental British values are explored through learning about society, different perspectives and the experiences of people throughout history. This supports children's understanding of diversity, respect and their role as members of their communities.

What success looks like

Success is about more than remembering historical facts. It is about children who:

Show curiosity and enthusiasm when learning about the past.
Develop a secure understanding of historical people, events and periods.
Understand chronology and recognise how life has changed over time.
Ask thoughtful questions and use evidence to investigate the past.
Compare historical periods and make meaningful connections.
Explain their ideas, consider different perspectives and support their conclusions with evidence.
Use historical vocabulary confidently in discussions and written work.
Appreciate different cultures and experiences and understand how history has shaped the world around them.

Ultimately, we want our children to leave Bamford Academy as curious, knowledgeable and thoughtful young people who understand the importance of the past and can use what they have learnt to help make informed decisions in the future.

What your child will learn in History: Curriculum Overview

Our History curriculum is designed to develop children's knowledge and skills progressively throughout primary school. As they move through the year groups, children build on what they already know, deepen their understanding of chronology and become increasingly confident in investigating the past.

Children explore a range of historical topics, learning about people, events and societies in Britain and the wider world. They develop an understanding of how life has changed, how different periods connect and how historical events continue to influence society today.

Alongside their knowledge of the past, children develop the skills historians use to investigate and interpret evidence. They learn to ask questions, examine sources, identify similarities and differences, consider different viewpoints and explain their conclusions.

Historical vocabulary, discussion and written work are woven throughout the curriculum, helping children communicate their understanding with increasing confidence.

The curriculum also encourages children to reflect on different experiences and perspectives, developing an appreciation of diversity and a greater understanding of the communities and society in which they live.

The detailed progression of historical knowledge and skills is set out in our History curriculum documents, available to view and download below.

How can I help my child with History at home?

You do not need to be a History expert to help your child develop an interest in the past. Everyday conversations, family stories and opportunities to explore historical places can all help bring their learning to life.

Here are a few simple ways to help:

Be curious together: Encourage your child to ask questions about historical events, people and places. Explore the answers together using books or child-friendly resources.
Explore family history: Talk about family stories, look at old photographs or compare how everyday life has changed between generations.
Look for history around you: Notice historic buildings, monuments, museums and local landmarks. Discuss what they might tell you about the people who lived there before.
Compare past and present: Talk about how homes, schools, transport, toys or everyday routines have changed over time.
Visit museums and historic places: Where possible, explore local museums, exhibitions or heritage sites and encourage your child to look closely at the evidence on display.
Ask questions about evidence: When looking at an old photograph or object, ask your child what they notice, what it might tell them and what they would like to find out.
Encourage discussion: Give your child opportunities to explain what they have learnt and share their opinions. Ask them what evidence supports their ideas.

Above all, encourage your child to be curious. History is full of fascinating stories, surprising discoveries and questions that help us understand the world today.

Supporting every child

At Bamford Academy, we want every child to experience an engaging, inclusive and accessible History curriculum. We recognise that children have different strengths, starting points and learning needs, and we adapt our teaching to help all pupils participate and make progress.

Teachers use a range of approaches to support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including:

Scaffolding and structured questioning to break down learning and help children develop their understanding.
Visual aids and images to make historical concepts and information easier to understand.
Simplified historical sources, where appropriate, so children can investigate evidence at a suitable level.
Pre-teaching key vocabulary to help children access new concepts and participate confidently in discussions.
Artefacts and practical resources to provide tangible ways to explore the past.
Discussion-based activities to help children express their ideas and demonstrate their understanding.
Adapted tasks that allow children to access the curriculum and show what they have learnt in different ways.

These approaches help us maintain high expectations while recognising that children may need different forms of support to succeed.

If your child needs additional support or further challenge in History, their teacher will work with you to help ensure that learning remains ambitious, accessible and enjoyable. You can find out more about our wider approach on our SEND information pages.

Frequently Asked Questions about History at Bamford Academy

How is History taught at Bamford Academy?

History is taught through engaging lessons that encourage children to investigate the past, ask questions and explore historical evidence. Teachers use a range of approaches, including artefacts, images, historical footage, role play, discussion and visits, to bring learning to life.

What do children learn in History?

Children develop their knowledge of historical people, events and periods, exploring the history of Britain and the wider world. They learn about chronology, change over time and the connections between the past and the present. They also develop the skills needed to investigate and interpret historical evidence.

How do children develop their historical thinking?

Children learn to ask questions, examine sources, compare different periods and consider different perspectives. Through discussion, debate and written work, they develop their ability to explain their ideas and draw conclusions using evidence.

How do you support children with SEND in History?

We adapt lessons to meet individual needs, using approaches such as scaffolding, visual aids, simplified sources, pre-teaching vocabulary and structured questioning. Where appropriate, tasks are adapted to help children access learning and demonstrate their understanding.

How does History help children understand modern Britain?

By exploring different societies, cultures, events and perspectives, children develop a better understanding of how the past has shaped modern Britain and the wider world. They also learn to appreciate diversity and reflect on the experiences of others.

How can I find out more about what my child is learning?

Please speak to your child's class teacher, who will be happy to discuss their current learning and progress in History. Further information about the curriculum can also be found in the History curriculum documents available on this page.

View and download our History curriculum documents:

Our two key documents explain what we teach and why. You can read them online or download a copy.

History Intent, Implementation and Impact Statement

History Policy

Get in touch

If you have questions about our History curriculum, your child's progress or how you can support their learning at home, please get in touch. We are always happy to talk with families.

Contact the school office on 01706 631496 or email office@bamfordacademy.co.uk. You can also visit our Contact page.

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