Intent
At Farsley Springbank Primary School, our intent is that the teaching of history helps pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. In line with the National Curriculum, our history curriculum enables children to develop an understanding of life in the present through exploring the past, a curiosity and inquisitiveness about how people lived and a deep appreciation of the significant events that have shaped Britain and the wider world. Pupils gain a strong sense of chronology and learn to view history from multiple perspectives — local, national and international — encompassing the political, religious and social influences that have shaped societies over time. They develop an understanding of key historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence and similarity and difference, alongside the historical skills needed to conduct enquiries, analyse sources & evidence and make reasoned judgements about the past.
Our history curriculum is enriched and guided by our six Curriculum Drivers — Independence, Determination, Curiosity, Risk-Taking, Collaboration, and Respect — which underpin all learning at Farsley Springbank.
Pupils develop independence by taking ownership of their investigations and drawing conclusions from historical evidence. They show determination as they persevere with challenging concepts and reflect on differing interpretations of the past. Curiosity fuels their desire to ask meaningful questions, make connections, and explore how past events continue to shape life today. Through risk-taking, children are encouraged to express their opinions, debate ideas and learn confidently from mistakes in a supportive environment. Collaboration is developed through shared enquiry, discussion and problem-solving, as pupils work together to analyse evidence and present findings. Central to all of this is respect — for the diversity of people, cultures and beliefs across history and for their own local and national heritage.
Our commitment to the Heritage England programme ensures that pupils develop a rich understanding of local history, helping them recognise how their own community fits into the wider historical narrative. Through engaging learning challenges, visits, workshops and expert experiences, children gain a deep understanding of society and their place within it. Ultimately, history at Farsley Springbank enables our pupils to think critically, analyse evidence, ask perceptive questions and form well-balanced judgements — becoming independent, determined, curious, risk-taking, collaborative and respectful learners who are confident, compassionate and ready to make a positive difference in their world.
Implementation
History at Farsley Springbank is taught through engaging and well-sequenced units of learning that inspire curiosity and help children make meaningful connections across time and place. Each unit is carefully planned to build on prior knowledge and link meaningfully with other subjects, particularly geography. Lessons are structured to ensure that historical knowledge and key skills develop progressively from EYFS through to Year 6.
Each topic introduces children to the chronology and geographical context of the period being studied before exploring key themes, events and significant figures. This approach helps pupils to understand change over time, cause and consequence, continuity and difference — and to make connections between local, national and global history.
Our history curriculum is carefully designed to reflect the school’s curriculum drivers of independence, determination, curiosity, risk-taking, collaboration and respect. These values are embedded in the way children learn, think and work together as historians. Pupils are encouraged to question, investigate and evaluate, developing the confidence to share and justify their ideas while respecting different perspectives. Through discussion, exploration and enquiry, they build the resilience and curiosity needed to think critically about the past and its relevance to the present.
Our commitment to the Heritage England programme continues to strengthen our local history curriculum. By exploring the rich heritage of Farsley and its surroundings, children develop a strong sense of place and belonging — deepening their understanding of how national history is reflected in their own community.
Progression of knowledge and skills has been carefully mapped to ensure children revisit and build on key concepts over time. From early explorations in EYFS and Key Stage 1 focusing on exploration to Key Stage 2 themes of empire and trade, governance and religion, pupils develop a growing understanding of how societies evolve and interact.
Visits to historical sites, workshops and opportunities to learn from experts further enrich the curriculum, helping history come to life and strengthening the values at the heart of our school. Through these experiences, pupils develop as thoughtful, analytical and reflective learners who are confident to make connections between the past, present and future.
Here are some examples of our history learning journeys.
History Enrichment
As part of our ambitious and exciting curriculum, we take our children on a range of trips and experiences to further enhance their learning. We take pride in celebrating Black History Month and Heritage Week whilst ensuring British Values and diversity are embedded throughout our bespoke curriculum. We also deliver 'hands-on' active learning to develop the children's historical skills which can be applied across other areas of the curriculum.