History

Curriculum Map

Progression in Skills & Knowledge

Intent

History holds a special place at RHS. It helps pupils understand how the world that once was has shaped the world we live in today. Our enquiry-based curriculum inspires children to explore past civilisations, analyse how people lived, and recognise the lasting influence of historical events.

We focus on key historical skills—chronology, cause and consequence, and interpretation—building them year-on-year so pupils make clear progress and deepen their knowledge. The aim is to nurture independent learners who approach history with curiosity, critical thinking and a sense of relevance.

 

Implementation

Our history curriculum is delivered through high-quality teaching, engaging topics, and thought-provoking “big questions”. Each unit begins with a “big bang” day, a hands-on, immersive experience designed to spark curiosity and set the scene for learning. In lessons, pupils:

• Analyse primary and secondary sources

• Present findings using thinking maps

• Explore relationships between periods through role play and other creative activities

• Build a clear sense of chronology using timelines

• Develop their own interpretations through discussion and enquiry

Cross-curricular links, especially with English, allow pupils to immerse themselves in historical contexts, empathising with people from the past and imagining what life was like in different eras.

Impact

By the time they leave RHS, pupils understand what it means to “think like a historian.” They question, research, interpret and reflect, checking their own ideas against established evidence.

This approach builds confidence, resilience and independence, enabling pupils to apply their historical thinking to other areas of learning. They leave with a strong sense of identity, an understanding of history’s role in shaping the present, and the curiosity to continue exploring the past in the years ahead.