History

At Ribbon Academy, we believe that history helps children understand who they are, where they come from and how the world around them has been shaped over time.

Our history curriculum inspires curiosity about the past whilst developing the knowledge and skills needed to think critically about historical events, people and societies. Through studying a diverse range of periods and civilisations, pupils develop a deeper understanding of how Britain and the wider world have developed and changed through time.

We want every child to leave Ribbon Academy with a secure chronological understanding of history, an appreciation of significant people and events, and the ability to think like a historian.

Our curriculum has been carefully designed to develop both:

• Substantive knowledge – the historical facts, concepts, events and people that pupils need to know.
• Disciplinary knowledge – how historians investigate, interpret and construct understanding about the past.

Learning is carefully sequenced from Early Years through to Year 6, allowing children to build on prior knowledge and make meaningful connections between periods of history.

As pupils move through school, they develop an increasingly secure understanding of chronology, helping them place significant events, societies and individuals within a broader historical narrative.

At Ribbon Academy, history is far more than remembering dates and facts.

Children are taught to work as historians by exploring questions such as:

• What can we learn from historical sources?
• How do we know what happened in the past?
• Why do different accounts sometimes disagree?
• How did significant events influence society?
• What changed and what stayed the same over time?

Through historical enquiry, pupils learn to analyse evidence, evaluate sources and develop reasoned conclusions based upon what they have discovered.

A strong understanding of chronology is central to our curriculum.

Pupils develop secure knowledge of:

• Ancient civilisations.
• Significant British history.
• Local history.
• World history.
• Key historical periods and eras.
• Cause and consequence.
• Similarities and differences across time.

By revisiting important concepts and connecting historical learning, children develop a coherent understanding of the past and how different periods are interconnected.

We believe children learn history best when they investigate and ask questions.

Throughout the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to:

• Examine artefacts and historical sources.
• Investigate historical mysteries.
• Interpret evidence.
• Debate historical viewpoints.
• Compare different periods and societies.
• Form and justify conclusions.

This approach develops critical thinking, curiosity and a deeper understanding of how historical knowledge is constructed.

Our local area provides a rich and meaningful context for historical learning.

As a school located in Murton, children explore the history of their locality and the wider North East, developing an understanding of how local communities have changed over time.

Through local studies, educational visits and historical investigations, pupils develop a strong sense of identity and belonging whilst recognising the contribution of their community to wider British history.

Language is at the heart of our history curriculum.

Children are explicitly taught ambitious historical vocabulary that enables them to:

• Explain historical events accurately.
• Discuss evidence and interpretation.
• Compare historical periods.
• Justify opinions and conclusions.
• Communicate as historians.

This supports both historical understanding and our wider commitment to developing confident communicators.

We believe history should be memorable, engaging and meaningful.

Learning is enriched through:

• Educational visits.
• Visiting experts and workshops.
• Historical artefacts.
• Primary and secondary source material.
• Drama and role play.
• Opportunities to explore local heritage.

These experiences help pupils develop a deeper connection with the periods and people they study.

Historical understanding begins with children’s own experiences.

In Nursery and Reception, children begin by exploring:

• Their own lives and experiences.
• Family histories.
• Changes over time.
• Significant events.
• People who help us.
• Similarities and differences between past and present.

These early experiences provide the foundations for future historical understanding.

We believe every child should be able to access and enjoy history.

Lessons are carefully designed to ensure all pupils can engage with historical enquiry, acquire important knowledge and experience success. Through discussion, visual resources, storytelling, artefacts and practical experiences, all learners are supported in developing historical understanding.

We want every child to leave Ribbon Academy as a historian who:

• Is curious about the past.
• Understands how historical events have shaped modern society.
• Thinks critically about evidence and interpretation.
• Appreciates the diversity of human experience.
• Can communicate historical understanding confidently.
• Uses knowledge of the past to better understand the present and future.