At Elm Tree, we believe that a high-quality history education helps pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world by inspiring their curiosity to know more about the past. Our overall aim is to foster pupils' interest in history and develop an understanding that enables them to enjoy all that history has to offer.

Through our teaching of history, pupils are equipped to ask questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. History helps pupils understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.

We endeavour to introduce pupils to the main historical events, significant individuals, and artefacts that have impacted history. We also explore the developments that have shaped society as it has reached the modern day.

History knowledge is organised and explored through five lenses:

  • Time: Pupils are taught about time periods, key events, and specific dates in a chronological format.
  • Environment: Pupils gain an understanding of the locations of events and what the world would have looked like during specific eras.
  • Culture: We explore the structure, rules, and routines of society during specific time periods.
  • Power: Pupils learn about British Kings and Queens, as well as other rulers and decision-makers.
  • Institutions: We examine significant groups, organisations, and establishments, exploring their structure and governance to help pupils understand the reasons behind historical choices and actions.

Pupils gain an understanding of the role of a historian through studying:

  • Scope and chronology: Understanding the duration of time periods and comparing them with other periods and events occurring simultaneously.
  • Changes and continuity: Exploring what has changed and what has remained the same in society, why this may be, and how effective these changes have been.
  • Similarities and differences: Comparing lifestyles of different cultures and classes during specific time periods or across different eras.
  • Historical significance: Understanding why certain events are remembered and reflected upon, and what lessons have been learned to improve society today.
  • Sources and evidence: Pupils explore artefacts as well as primary and secondary sources to gain insight into life during specific periods. These sources also help pupils understand how historians use evidence to piece together information and draw conclusions.
  • Historical interpretations: Pupils develop their analytical skills by exploring historians' conclusions from evidence and are encouraged to act as historians themselves, making their own interpretations and conclusions about historical events.

History Long Term Plan - Click Here