History Explore Curriculum
Intent
At The Rowans Primary, our Explore History curriculum develops pupils’ understanding of the past and how it has shaped the world they live in today. Designed for pupils working broadly at Year 1 and Year 2 level, the curriculum introduces key historical concepts through significant people, events and changes over time.
We aim to develop pupils’ early chronological understanding, historical knowledge and ability to recognise similarities and differences between periods of time. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions about the past, explore historical evidence and begin to understand why particular people and events are remembered.
Through carefully selected topics, including local history, pupils develop an understanding of their place within a wider historical narrative. We provide accessible opportunities for pupils to make connections, develop historical vocabulary and build confidence in discussing the past.
Implementation
History is delivered through a structured and progressive curriculum, with learning sequenced to build knowledge and revisit key historical concepts. New learning is connected to pupils’ existing understanding, helping them develop secure foundations in chronology, significant individuals, historical events and changes over time.
Teaching is underpinned by explicit instruction, adult modelling and scaffolded enquiry. Historical concepts and vocabulary are introduced clearly, supported by visual resources, timelines, photographs, artefacts and other sources of evidence. Adults model how to observe, question and interpret historical information, gradually supporting pupils to make their own observations and draw simple conclusions.
Learning is made accessible through practical activities, discussion and opportunities to handle or examine historical sources. Pupils are supported to sequence events, identify similarities and differences, and consider how we know about the past. Repetition and retrieval opportunities help consolidate important knowledge and vocabulary, while questioning encourages pupils to explain their thinking.
The curriculum is organised around three areas of study:
Significant People and Events
Pupils develop an understanding of why history is important and explore the lives of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole, alongside the events of the Great Fire of London. They consider why particular individuals and events are remembered and begin to compare aspects of life in the past with life today.
Castles, Monarchs and Historical Events
Pupils investigate why castles were built, their main features and what life was like within them. They explore the role of kings and queens, the significance of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the importance of Rochester Castle to local history. Chronological sequencing and comparisons between past and present help pupils develop a clearer understanding of historical change.
Significant Individuals and Discoveries
Pupils explore how inventions have changed people's lives and influenced society. They consider developments in printing, steam-powered railways, road safety and the World Wide Web. Through questioning and comparison, pupils begin to recognise the significance of inventions and consider how historians decide which developments have had the greatest impact. Learning culminates in presenting a museum of inventions, providing an opportunity to communicate their historical understanding.
Throughout the curriculum, adults adapt the level of support, language and task complexity to meet individual learning needs. Visual prompts, structured questioning, practical resources and supported discussion enable pupils to participate meaningfully. Assessment is ongoing through observation, questioning, discussion and pupils’ recorded work, informing subsequent teaching and identifying opportunities to revisit or extend learning.
Impact
Pupils develop a growing understanding of chronology and begin to recognise that people, events and ways of life have changed over time. They acquire knowledge of significant individuals and events and begin to explain why these are important within history.
Pupils become increasingly confident in using historical vocabulary, sequencing events and making comparisons between the past and present. They develop early enquiry skills by asking questions, examining sources and using observations to support simple explanations.
Through progressive teaching and regular opportunities to retrieve and apply prior knowledge, pupils develop the foundations needed to access increasingly complex historical concepts. They are supported to communicate their understanding with growing confidence, independence and accuracy.
History Pioneer
Intent
At The Rowans Primary, our History curriculum aims to develop pupils’ understanding of the past and how it has shaped the world in which we live. Through the study of significant periods, people and events, pupils develop their chronological understanding, historical vocabulary and ability to recognise similarities, differences and changes over time.
Our curriculum focuses on making History accessible, engaging and meaningful for pupils with a range of SEND and social, emotional and mental health needs. Through practical activities, artefacts, visual resources, historical stories and enquiry-based learning, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, explore evidence and develop their understanding of the past. We aim to nurture curiosity, encourage independent thinking and help pupils make connections between historical events and the modern world.
During the 2026–2027 academic year, pupils will explore Roman Britain and the Anglo-Saxon and Viking periods, investigating how people lived, travelled, settled and influenced Britain.
Implementation
History is taught through structured six-week units that build pupils’ knowledge and understanding progressively. Lessons combine historical enquiry with practical activities, visual resources, maps, artefacts, discussion and opportunities to demonstrate learning through creative projects.
Pupils explore the origins and settlements of different groups, investigate significant events and individuals, and consider how Britain changed over time. Learning encourages pupils to develop chronological awareness, use historical vocabulary and begin to distinguish between evidence, interpretation and historical accounts.
Teaching is adapted to meet pupils’ individual needs, with clear routines, manageable learning steps, visual prompts, practical experiences and opportunities for supported discussion. Activities are designed to promote engagement, build confidence and allow pupils to demonstrate their understanding in different ways.
The accompanying curriculum overview outlines the specific weekly content covered across the academic year.
Impact
Through our History curriculum, pupils develop a growing understanding of significant historical periods and the people who shaped Britain. They become more confident in placing events in chronological order, identifying similarities and differences between periods, and explaining how life has changed over time.
Pupils develop their ability to ask historical questions, interpret information, use relevant vocabulary and communicate what they have learned. Practical investigations and end-of-unit projects provide opportunities for pupils to demonstrate their knowledge, make connections and apply their understanding independently or with appropriate support.
Progress is monitored through discussion, observation, responses to historical questions, practical activities and completed work. This evidence informs future teaching and helps staff identify pupils’ developing knowledge, skills and understanding.