In Key Stage 1, our teachers foster children’s enquiry skills by encouraging them to ask meaningful questions. Pupils are guided to explore different types of questions, such as ‘who,’ ‘what,’ ‘where,’ ‘when,’ ‘why,’ and ‘how,’ to deepen their understanding and spark curiosity about various topics.

Teachers model how to find answers by using age-appropriate resources like books, pictures, and artefacts, helping children learn to gather information and think critically. This approach not only supports their learning in history but also builds confidence and engagement, empowering them to explore the world with curiosity and an open mind.

In Year 3, children explore British history from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, learning how early people lived and how their inventions shaped society. They study significant changes over time, such as the shift from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities and the development of tools from stone to metal.

Using various historical sources like artefacts, cave paintings, and archaeological evidence, pupils gather insights into the daily lives, beliefs, and social structures of prehistoric communities. Through hands-on activities, they discover how historians piece together the past, gaining a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of early Britons.

In upper Key Stage 2, pupils enhance their historical research skills by investigating why the Vikings were such successful raiders and exploring the lives of the Picts. They learn to use a variety of sources, such as artefacts and historical texts, to understand the Vikings’ shipbuilding, navigation, and warrior culture, as well as their impact on invaded regions.

Pupils also delve into Pictish society, uncovering details about their unique stone carvings, social structures, and conflicts with other groups. Through these enquiries, they develop the ability to analyse evidence, present findings, and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of past societies.