Through the teaching of history, we aim to stimulate the children's interest and understanding about the lives of people who lived in the past and how events in the past have influenced our lives today.

Children will study and look at a wide range of historical artefacts and primary sources to develop their skills to become able to analyse and comment on historical information. We also focus on helping children understand that historical events can be interpreted in different ways and that they should always ask questions about the information they are given, such as ‘how do we know?’.  The periods they study will be often be linked to their writing within English to add interest and depth to their knowledge.

Some year groups will go on trips to local places for a more in-depth understanding, whilst others will have the benefit of expert visitors to enrich their learning.

Our iPads are used by the children within the classroom for independent research, for alternative ways to present information and to demonstrate their understanding in short videos, making use of the school’s media suite.

We also have links with the local museum and Bedford Chronicles, a group part of the Harpur Trust who work alongside our curriculum and help the children to learn more about the local history of Bedford.

Changes within living memory

The world as we know it is changing. The effects of COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter campaign and the changes within the monarchy will undoubtedly be remembered and provides us with an opportunity, particularly in KS1, to learn about changes within living memory focusing on aspects of change in national life.