History

Subject Statement

What can we learn from the past to shape our future? How do historical events connect to our lives today? At Sikh Heritage Girls School, history is more than just dates and facts—it is a journey of discovery that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the world around us.

Research highlights the importance of an enquiry-based approach to history, where children actively question, investigate, and analyse historical events (Willingham, 2009). Our history curriculum is designed to develop analytical skills, promote cultural understanding, and ensure pupils see themselves reflected in the historical narratives they study. We nurture our pupils to become informed citizens who can engage with the complexities of the past and make meaningful connections to their own lives.

Statement of Intent

At Sikh Heritage Girls School, we believe history should inspire a sense of wonder and intellectual curiosity. Our history curriculum aims to:

  • Provide a rich, knowledge-based curriculum that develops historical enquiry skills and chronological understanding.

  • Encourage critical thinking, debate, and evaluation of sources, fostering high levels of oracy.

  • Explore local, national, and global history, making meaningful links between British heritage and the diverse cultural backgrounds of our pupils.

  • Promote an understanding of historical change, continuity, cause, and consequence, ensuring pupils recognise their role in shaping the future.

  • Provide an inclusive curriculum where every pupil can see themselves represented, learning about the contributions of women, diverse communities, and key historical figures.

Statement of Implementation

We use the National Curriculum as our foundation, supported by the Cornerstones Curriculum, which ensures a carefully sequenced progression of skills and knowledge. Our approach to history is rooted in enquiry, encouraging pupils to ask challenging questions and seek evidence-based answers.

Ensuring Equity in Learning

  • Scaffolding & Pre-teaching: We provide structured support to ensure all pupils can access historical content, including pre-teaching vocabulary and key concepts for those who need it.

  • Challenge for More Able Learners: High-achieving pupils engage in deeper historical analysis, exploring historiography, primary sources, and thematic comparisons across time periods.

Statement of Impact

The impact of our history curriculum is evident in our pupils’ ability to think critically, articulate historical arguments, and engage in meaningful discussions. By the end of Year 6, our pupils will:

  • Demonstrate a secure understanding of historical concepts such as continuity, change, and significance.

  • Express their ideas confidently, using precise historical vocabulary.

  • Make connections between different historical periods and their own lives.

  • Approach the future with an informed perspective, recognising the lessons history offers for modern society.

Our pupils leave Sikh Heritage Girls School as confident historians, ready to take on the challenges of secondary education and beyond.

Future Careers

History fosters transferable skills that open doors to a wide range of careers. Whether our pupils choose to become lawyers, journalists, archaeologists, researchers, museum curators, teachers, or diplomats, their ability to analyse information, build arguments, and think critically will serve them well in any field. We introduce pupils to historical careers through guest speakers, interactive workshops, and cross-curricular links.

Reference

Willingham, D. T. (2009). Why Don't Students Like School? San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Learning Outside the Classroom

  • Educational Visits: Our pupils immerse themselves in history through visits to significant sites such as Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, and local historical landmarks.

  • Experiential Learning: Hands-on experiences, from historical reenactments to archaeological digs, bring history to life.

SMSC Opportunities

  • Moral Development: Exploring the consequences of historical events, such as the abolition of slavery and human rights movements.

  • Social Development: Studying how communities have changed and adapted over time.

  • Cultural Development: Learning about diverse historical perspectives, including the impact of Sikh heritage on British history.

  • Spiritual Development: Reflecting on historical struggles, achievements, and moral dilemmas.