History

Intent: What does our History curriculum look like this?

At Hunslet Moor Primary School, our History curriculum is built on a strong sense of pride in our local heritage and the diverse community we are proud to serve. Our curriculum is carefully shaped by the National Curriculum but also thoughtfully designed to reflect the lives, experiences and interests of our children. Wherever possible, we make meaningful connections to the backgrounds and histories of the many ethnic groups represented within our school community, helping every child to see themselves in the story of the past.

We believe that History should spark curiosity, build understanding and help children develop a strong sense of who they are. From the earliest stages in Nursery and Reception, our youngest learners begin by exploring their own identity and family history, laying the foundations for deeper learning about Britain and the wider world as they move through school.

Across all year groups, we provide rich opportunities for pupils to investigate and interpret the past, build a strong sense of chronology, and gain a broad understanding of significant events and people. We teach our children to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, weigh evidence, and develop their own perspectives and judgements — skills that will serve them well beyond their time with us. Reading is at the heart of our approach to learning, and our History curriculum strengthens this commitment. During Black History Month, for example, we use carefully selected, high-quality texts to inspire discussion, deepen understanding, and celebrate the achievements and contributions of key individuals in Black history.

At Hunslet Moor, we are passionate about giving every child the knowledge and skills to understand the past, value the present, and imagine a bright future.

Implementation: How will we achieve this?

Curriculum Structure
At Hunslet Moor Primary School, History is taught as a driver subject across our curriculum. Each term, every year group has a History or Geography focus, with other foundation subjects thoughtfully linked where appropriate. In Reception and Nursery, History is woven into EYFS topics, ensuring a dedicated focus at least once a year.

Approach to Chronology and Key Questions
Each History topic begins with a timeline recap to help children build a secure understanding of how periods and events fit into the broader story of the world. Learning is framed around a key question, which children work towards answering through their studies, culminating in a piece of independent extended writing.

Knowledge and Vocabulary Development
Core knowledge is carefully selected for each topic and forms the backbone of all lessons. This knowledge is designed to be retained in children's long-term memory, ensuring strong foundations for future success. The teaching of key vocabulary is central to every unit, supporting pupils’ reading, writing and historical understanding.

Curriculum Time and Coverage
History is taught as a discreet subject weekly. Each year group studies one full-term and one halfterm History topic each year, with the exception of Year 3, where a full term is dedicated to a combined study of the Industrial Revolution and Saltaire.

Enrichment and Wider Opportunities
Historical enrichment experiences are woven throughout the school year, giving children first-hand opportunities to deepen their curiosity, develop cultural capital, and bring their historical learning vividly to life.

Impact: How do we know our children are achieving in History?

At Hunslet Moor Primary School, we are proud of the way our History curriculum helps children build a deep understanding of the past and a real sense of their place in the world. Our curriculum is carefully designed to link closely with learning in English and Maths, ensuring that history never feels taught in isolation, but is fully woven into pupils’ wider learning journey.

In Year 1, pupils begin by exploring history within living memory (the past 100 years), supporting their work on numbers to 100 in Maths. As they move into Years 2 and 3, children extend their knowledge to include life beyond living memory and local history studies. The concept of BCE (Before the Common Era) is introduced in Year 4, alongside their understanding of negative numbers, ensuring children are ready to think historically about earlier periods of time. We place a strong emphasis on developing key skills such as questioning, critical thinking, and the investigation of sources — skills that prepare pupils not only for secondary school but also equip them for life beyond the classroom. Our work on British Values is woven into our History curriculum, helping pupils develop the attitudes and understanding they need to become thoughtful, responsible citizens.

Assessment in History is ongoing and purposeful. Teachers use memory recall questions and knowledge organisers to revisit and strengthen prior learning at the start of each lesson. Summative assessment takes place at the end of each topic, giving pupils the opportunity to independently showcase their understanding through a 'knowledge drop' in a format of their choice. The quality of History teaching and learning is regularly reviewed by the subject leader and senior leadership team through book looks, lesson observations and pupil voice activities. This ensures that every child at Hunslet Moor receives a rich and inspiring History education.