At Co-op Academy Princeville, children are equipped with a critical understanding of the past in Britain and the wider world, in order to become the citizens of the future.

At Princeville, we cover the full scope of the National Curriculum. Underpinning our ambitious curriculum are four key historical strands; Historical Enquiry, Chronology, Governance and Rulership and Continuity, Change, Cause and Effect. We use these strands to ensure a progression in knowledge through the curriculum. Significance is a pertinent theme throughout our curriculum, where children are taught about events and people who have had a lasting impact. Through teaching we highlight similarities and differences between eras.

The history curriculum contributes well to our overarching vision for the curriculum. The history curriculum gives opportunities for children to develop their reading, writing and vocabulary skills. We have chosen our content carefully, to promote pupils’ sense of identity and belonging in Bradford. We have also placed particular emphasis on social history and inequalities to promote pupils’ social development.

In History, children are inspired to know more about key events and key people in the past and to act and think as historians. Learning is linked to a variety of topics, children are provided with numerous opportunities to explore, investigate and interpret the past. We believe in promoting a love for learning by equipping children with the ability to critique key events in history, convey ideas and thoughts confidently, challenge, express and evaluate their and other’s perspectives by using historical evidence and artefacts for support from a range of sources. As your child journeys through school, they will build up their knowledge of history. They’ll use evidence, make comparisons and draw conclusions. Their learning will focus on different periods of history in different year groups. The curriculum has been designed to incorporate diversity, challenge old ways of thinking and to ensure children leave Co-op Academy Princeville with a thorough understanding and appreciation of the diversity of British and world History. We teach the history of the British Isles in chronological order so that pupils can articulate the story of Britain.

In Early Years & Foundation Stage children are first introduced to the concept of the past. They learn to talk about events in their own lives and their families in terms of past and present. They are introduced to the concept of comparison, finding similarities and differences between themselves and others. They learn about sequencing through the seasons, months of the year and the passing of time.

In Year 1 children learn about the recent past, exploring their family history. They are introduced to chronology through comparing Elizabeth I, Victoria and Elizabeth II. This unit will introduce the children to the concept of monarchy. They also study toys through the ages, consolidating their understanding of the Victorian era.

In Year 2 children start to learn about key events and people through history—The Great Fire of London (linked with the Bradford City Fire) and the impact of explorers such as Ibn Battuta and Neil Armstrong. They also look at Local history, studying the textile industry and learning about local mill owner Titus Salt.   

As they move into Key Stage 2, the children are introduced to the concept of BC and timelines extend to the Stone Age. 

In Year 3 children begin by studying the history of migration into Bradford, with a focus on Asian Migration into Bradford in the 50’s and 60’s. Then moving into more recent immigration from Europe. Children will learn about Bradford’s rich history. They will then learn about Henry VIII, focusing on why he had 6 wives. This unit introduces the concept of Monarchy alongside parliament and religion. Finally, children travel further back in time to learn about the changes in Britain from the Stone Age to Iron Age. As well as understanding the chronology of this fascinating time, children will learn about the food, religion, homes, technology and art and how each of these areas developed and changed over time.

In Year 4 the children will study the Romans, with a clear focus on Boudica. This will teach the children about an autocratic rulership by emperors and the power held by aristocracy. Next, they will learn about the ancient civilisation of Egypt, using artefacts and evidence to uncover this fascinating legacy. They learn about a theocratic monarchy and pharaohs and how innovations impacted. Then, the children will discover the inspirational history of the suffragette movement and the impact this had, including on perceptions of women. This is an introduction to inequality in a “democratic” society.

As children move into upper Key Stage two we extend the timeline to 4.5 billion years ago to present day.

In Year 5 Children will study another ancient civilisation:  Ancient Greece. Children will learn about the three types of government: monarchy, oligarchy and democracy. Next the children will learn about the Anglo Saxons, learning about invasion, kingdoms and rulership. This period paved the way for today’s legal system. Finally, they will learn about Malcom X, Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights movement in America. This is another example of inequality and prejudice in a “democratic” society.

In Year 6 children will learn about the vikings through the topic ‘Traders, raiders and invaders’. This supports their understanding of the concept of invasion and settlements. They will learn about crime and punishment through looking at social History since 1066. This gives an opportunity to revisit the key periods of the Anglo-Saxons and Romans. The final topic is called The Golden Age of Islam, looking at the heritage and ancestory of the local population and the impact of this transformational time. This unit introduces the concept of rulership through caliphates and sultans.

Our History Curriculum aims to raise aspirations through exposure of significant diverse historical figures, focusing on Bradford’s rich heritage, learning about key British time periods and delivering opportunities to understand and appreciate our children’s heritage.