History Curriculum

Intent

At Marlborough Road Academy, we aim for history to ignite pupils’ curiosity about their local area,Britain and the wider world. We believe it is essential that pupils understand the rich cultural heritage they are part of.

Pupils are encouraged to think like historians, exploring past events and how they shape the present. Through this, they develop a secure sense of identity and place in the world.

They learn to express their ideas clearly using appropriate historical vocabulary, ask thoughtful questions, think critically, consider different perspectives and make informed judgements.

Implementation

We use the United Learning History Curriculum.

History is planned progressively, with knowledge and skills built over time and regularly revisited. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure clear coverage and progression through substantive and disciplinary knowledge.

Teachers plan with end points and vertical concepts in mind. Each unit includes a knowledge organiser, key vocabulary and a pre-learning quiz to assess prior knowledge and inform planning.

Learning is scaffolded to ensure accessibility for all pupils. Regular retrieval practice strengthens recall. Lessons are sequenced to build depth, with opportunities for pupils to apply their learning and write as historians. Teaching follows Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction.

Impact

The history curriculum is well-sequenced and demonstrates clear progression. Pupils who keep up with the curriculum are making good or better progress.

Impact is measured through:

• Formative assessment in lessons to inform next steps

• Low-stakes quizzes to assess core knowledge and address misconceptions

• Pupil discussions and book work to evaluate understanding and links across learning