History Curriculum at North Lakes School

At North Lakes School, our History curriculum is thoughtfully designed to engage and inspire children as they explore local, national, and global histories. We aim to foster a deep understanding of the past while reflecting modern British Values such as democracy, the rule of law, respect, and tolerance. Our curriculum supports our vision of a caring school community where everyone can grow, learn and adapt for the future to achieve personal success.

Intent

History at North Lakes is more than memorising facts; it is about developing curiosity, critical thinking, and empathy. We help pupils understand how the past shapes the present and their own lives. We focus on five key concepts to provide a coherent and meaningful framework:

• Continuity and Change: Exploring what has stayed the same and what has evolved over time, and how these changes affected people’s lives.
• Similarity and Difference: Making comparisons between different times, places, and peoples, challenging stereotypes, and recognising diverse experiences.
• Cause and Consequence: Understanding why events happened and the effects they had on societies and individuals.
• Beliefs and Values: Investigating how beliefs and values have influenced actions and events throughout history.
• Power, Empire and Democracy: Examining who held power, how it was exercised, and what freedoms or restrictions people experienced.

By embedding these big ideas, we help pupils build a rich, connected knowledge base that supports their future learning.

Implementation

Our History curriculum is carefully planned and overseen by a dedicated Subject Leader who provides a long-term plan, progression map, and knowledge organisers. Teachers work collaboratively to deliver lessons that are:

• Well-sequenced and manageable, ensuring clear steps that build knowledge and skills progressively.
• Engaging and enquiry-based, encouraging pupils to ask questions, analyse sources, and think reflectively.
• Assessment-informed, using questioning, discussions, observations, and quizzes to check understanding and support progress.
• Enhanced through experiences, including visits from experts, school trips, and use of local resources like Penrith Museum and Tullie House artefacts.

Our teaching encourages pupils to develop key learning attributes such as resourcefulness and reflectiveness, helping them to consider the impact of history on others and on their own lives.

Curriculum Aims and Structure

Guided by the 2014 National Curriculum, our History teaching aims to:

• Promote enthusiasm and positive attitudes towards history.
• Develop historical concepts, knowledge, and skills progressively.
• Introduce pupils to interpreting and understanding the past.
• Provide a coherent chronological narrative from early times to the present.
• Explore British history and its global connections.
• Understand abstract historical terms and concepts.
• Encourage historical enquiry and critical thinking.
• Develop perspective by linking local, national, and international histories.

Our curriculum is delivered through a four-year rolling plan covering engaging themes such as:

Year Group	Term	Theme	Big Ideas Emphasised
Years 3/4	Autumn	Stone Age to Iron Age	Continuity & Change, Cause & Consequence
Years 3/4	Spring	Ancient Egypt	Similarity & Difference, Beliefs & Values, Power & Empire
Years 3/4	Summer	Roman Empire & Impact on Britain	All Five Big Ideas
Years 5/6	Autumn	WWII & Impact on Penrith	Similarity & Difference, Cause & Consequence, Beliefs & Values, Power
Years 5/6	Spring	Mayan Civilisation c. AD 900	Similarity & Difference, Beliefs & Values, Power & Empire
Years 5/6	Summer	British Empire & Impact on the World	All Five Big Ideas

Impact

We carefully monitor pupil progress against clear criteria: working towards, expecting and greater depth expectations. Assessment focusses on pupils’ ability to describe events, explain motivations, and use historical terms and dates confidently. We encourage self and peer-assessment to build independence and reflection.

Examples of the types of questions pupils explore include:

• How did people in the Stone Age create homes, and how might we solve similar problems today?
• Why was the Pharaoh so powerful in Ancient Egypt?
• What were the causes and consequences of WWII on Penrith?

Through these questions, pupils develop skills in applying, analysing, evaluating, and creating historical knowledge, preparing them for lifelong learning.

Inclusion and Enrichment

North Lakes School is proud to be an inclusive community. Our History curriculum caters to all pupils, including those with SEND, EAL, and disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring everyone can access and enjoy history learning.

We enrich learning with:

• Guest speakers and experts.
• Educational visits to museums and historical sites.
• Use of artefacts and local history resources.
• Curriculum links to other subjects such as Design Technology and Music.

These experiences deepen pupils’ cultural capital and understanding of important values like democracy, respect, and tolerance.

Resources and Leadership

Our History Subject Leader ensures that resources are up-to-date and appropriate, supporting teachers in delivering high-quality lessons. The leader monitors teaching standards and pupil outcomes, providing strategic direction and regular updates to school leadership and governors.

Health and safety are paramount, especially during off-site visits, which are carefully planned in line with school policies.

Join Us in Exploring History

We invite parents and carers to support their children’s learning by discussing historical topics at home and encouraging curiosity about the past. Together, we can foster a love of history that helps pupils grow as thoughtful, informed citizens.

At North Lakes School, our History curriculum reflects our commitment to nurturing a caring, inclusive community where every pupil can succeed. By exploring big ideas through engaging content and enquiry-based learning, pupils develop a deep understanding of the past and its relevance to their lives and futures.

History at North Lakes is not just about learning what happened — it’s about growing as learners and citizens who respect diversity, value democracy, and are prepared to adapt and thrive.