At Deanery, our history curriculum inspires pupils to explore the past with curiosity, critical thinking, and wisdom. Through engaging enquiry and reflection, pupils learn to understand how people lived, how societies have changed, and how past events continue to shape our world today. In doing so, they flourish through learning that builds wisdom, empathy, and a deeper understanding of humanity.

Pupils are encouraged to think and speak like historians, developing oracy skills through discussion, debate, and storytelling. They learn to express their ideas clearly, listen to others’ viewpoints, and present their findings with confidence and purpose. A strong focus on historical vocabulary enables children to use precise language to explain, reason, and make meaningful connections across time periods.

Our curriculum fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility by linking learning to our local community, exploring the people, places, and events that have shaped Deanery’s heritage and wider surroundings. Pupils also study national and global history, developing appreciation for diversity and shared human experience.

Opportunities for spiritual reflection are woven throughout, allowing pupils to consider themes such as resilience, hope, justice, and the consequences of human choices. Through this, they come to understand how history helps us reflect on what it means to live with integrity and compassion.

From the Early Years onwards, pupils build a strong chronological understanding, enquiry skills, and historical perspective. Our curriculum ensures clear progression from EYFS to Year 6, encouraging curiosity, independence, and thoughtful engagement with the past.

At Deanery, history is more than the study of past events—it is a journey that helps children understand themselves, their community, and their place in shaping a wise and hopeful future.