At St. John’s CE Academy, History fires pupils’ curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world. Through engaging lessons, we help children explore how the past has shaped the present, what life was like in earlier societies, and how beliefs and cultures influenced people’s actions.

Our History curriculum is designed to ignite children’s curiosity through immersive and hands-on experiences. We bring history to life with exciting educational visits and in-school activities directly linked to our topic areas. These realistic and engaging experiences deepen pupils’ understanding and appreciation of historical events and perspectives.

Alongside building historical knowledge, we focus on the development of essential historical skills. Our teaching encourages pupils to:

• Ask perceptive questions.
• Think critically and weigh evidence.
• Sift arguments and develop well-rounded perspectives.
• Form sound judgements based on inquiry and analysis.

History at St. John’s covers the knowledge and skills outlined in the National Curriculum through broad, inspiring, and challenging themes. Our subject overviews and Learning Journey plans ensure comprehensive coverage of both the required content and subject-specific skills.

Key features of our History curriculum include:

• Local History: Opportunities to explore personal and community identities through local history units.
• Cross-Curricular Links: Connections with Geography, British Values, and SMSC (spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development) to provide a richer and more integrated understanding.

At St. John’s CE Academy, we are committed to equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills to understand the complexities of the past and their role in shaping the future. Guided by our vision to Grow, Flourish, and Fly, we inspire every child to develop a deep appreciation of history and its significance in their lives and the world.