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History

At Woodchurch School, our History curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity, build understanding, and help every child let their light shine through rich and meaningful exploration of the past. From the foundations of early childhood awareness to in-depth study of ancient civilisations and major historical events, we empower our pupils to become thoughtful historians who see connections between then and now.

A Journey Through Time – Our History Curriculum

Our curriculum is broad, balanced, and sequenced to develop historical understanding step by step. Children explore a wide range of local, national, and global topics that not only align with the National Curriculum but are tailored to reflect our values of growth, curiosity, and personal flourishing.

Early Years (EYFS) – Exploring the world around me

  • "All About Me" and "Who is in my family?" help our youngest learners begin to understand the concept of time, change, and identity.

  • Children explore the people and places important to them, developing a sense of belonging and community.

 Key Stage 1 – History through people and place

Children discover:

  • The Great Fire of London: Exploring how and why this event still shapes fire safety today.

  • History Makers: Learning how individuals like Mary Anning and Neil Armstrong changed the world through courage and curiosity.

  • Queen Victoria & Local History: Understanding how daily life, leadership, and technology evolved in Victorian times and our local area.

  • Transport Through Time: Discovering how we’ve travelled through history and what might come next.

Lower Key Stage 2 – Civilisations, change, and conflict

Learners begin to examine how human societies developed and interacted:

  • Stone Age to Iron Age: Exploring how tools, homes, and agriculture transformed early life.

  • Romans & Anglo-Saxons: Investigating how invasions shaped Britain, from roads and rule to resistance.

  • Ancient Egypt: Unlocking the secrets of pyramids, gods, and hieroglyphs.

  • Castles & Medieval Life: Stepping into the roles of kings, knights, and commoners.

Upper Key Stage 2 – Legacy, leadership, and long-term impact

In-depth historical enquiry takes centre stage:

  • Ancient Greece: Democracy, mythology, and global contributions to thought and science.

  • The Vikings & Mayans: Exploring innovation, conflict, and cultural complexity in two very different civilisations.

  • World War II: A sensitive and powerful exploration of bravery, resilience, and how conflict reshaped the modern world.

  • Medicine Through Time: Tracing the evolution of healthcare and its effect on society.

  • The Maafa: A powerful, respectful study of the transatlantic slave trade, resistance, and its lasting legacy on the world.

 How We Teach History

  • Enquiry-based learning: Each unit is framed around a key question to encourage deep thinking and discussion.

  • Hands-on experiences: Artefacts, drama, re-enactments, museum visits, and local history studies bring the past to life.

  • Progressive skills: From sequencing events and understanding cause and consequence to evaluating sources and debating significance, historical skills develop year by year.

Why History Matters at Woodchurch

History helps children to:

  • Understand themselves and others

  • Build empathy and critical thinking

  • Recognise change and continuity

  • Develop a strong sense of identity and justice

We believe every child has a story to tell and the power to shape the future — by first learning from the past.