History at Hawthorne

The story of the past; a window to the future.

At Hawthorne Primary and Nursery School, our vision for History is to ignite children’s curiosity about the past and inspire a lifelong fascination with how it shapes the present and future. We aim to provide all children with a deep understanding of Britain’s history, the wider world, and their local community, helping them develop their sense of identity and an appreciation for diverse cultures and societies.

Our knowledge-rich, chronological curriculum equips children to question, investigate, and critically evaluate evidence, fostering empathy and the ability to consider multiple perspectives. 

By reflecting on significant individuals, events, and the forces shaping our world, children learn how past actions influence modern society and how they can contribute to a better future. Through this engaging curriculum, we nurture curious, critical thinkers who approach the world with confidence, respect, and responsibility.

At Hawthorne our history curriculum is underpinned by our Curriculum Principles - REAL

R -Rich Vocabulary

E – Experiential

A – Aspiration

L – Life Skills

Rich Vocabulary:
In History, rich vocabulary underpins our planning across the school, ensuring that children develop a strong grasp of historical terminology such as signifcance, cause and effect, perspective, and chronology. We embed chronological language, historical sources, and key event-specific terms so that pupils can confidently discuss and analyse the past with precision.

Experiential:

At Hawthorne, children learn History through real hands-on experiences, such as examining primary sources, re-enacting historical events, handling artefacts, and visiting historical locations / landmarks, e.g. Holocaust Centre in Y6, Winding House Y2. These immersive opportunities help pupils develop a tangible connection to the past, fostering a deeper understanding of historical periods, people, and their impact on society.

Aspiration:

We expose pupils to diverse historical figures (e.g. Amelia Earhart), cultures, and movements. We challenge them to think critically about the past and recognise the contributions of different societies and individuals throughout history, broadening their worldviews and aspirations. Furthermore, we encourage our pupils to see themselves as future changemakers, empowered by history to make positive contributions to society. By learning about individuals who have shaped history, we want them to be inspired to leave their own legacy—one that will be remembered for its positive impact on their communities and the wider world.

Life Skills:

Our History curriculum equips children with the habits, skills, and mindset to be lifelong learners. By analysing historical evidence, questioning sources, and forming their own interpretations, pupils develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that extend beyond the classroom. They learn to evaluate different perspectives, understand how past events shape the present, and communicate their ideas effectively. These essential skills prepare them to navigate the complexities of the modern world, setting them on a path to thrive in their academic journey and beyond.

Key Knowledge Progression Documentation

History Subject Map

History Curriculum End Point Poster

History Displays 

History Experiences

History Artefacts