History

Intent

Our intent is for children to become articulate, informed, and empowered historians who develop a deep and meaningful understanding of the past. Using the CUSP curriculum, we ensure that children build historical knowledge systematically, enabling them to make connections across time periods and civilisations. We have identified ‘Forever Facts’ for each unit—key knowledge that we believe every child should retain beyond their school years. Our curriculum is designed to foster a love of history, develop critical thinking skills, and help children understand how the past shapes our present and future.

Implementation

  • Carefully sequenced learning builds on prior knowledge and ensures progression through concepts such as chronology, significance, change and continuity, and cause and consequence.

  • ‘Forever Facts’ are identified in each unit, ensuring that key historical knowledge is committed to long-term memory.

  • Explicit teaching of historical vocabulary supports children in articulating their understanding with clarity and confidence.

  • Enquiry-led lessons encourage children to think like historians—questioning sources, making connections, and forming their own interpretations of the past.

  • Oracy is embedded throughout—children discuss, debate, and explain historical concepts, strengthening both their knowledge and communication skills.

  • Rich historical sources, artefacts, and case studies are used to bring history to life and develop evaluative thinking.

  • Local history is woven into the curriculum, ensuring that children understand the historical significance of their own community within a national and global context.

  • Inclusivity is prioritised, ensuring that history is accessible to all learners, with adaptations made where necessary so that every child can engage and succeed.

Impact

  • Pupils leave Downton with a strong and lasting knowledge of history, recalling key ‘Forever Facts’ with confidence.

  • They develop into critical thinkers, able to question evidence, evaluate different perspectives, and construct well-reasoned arguments.

  • Assessment and pupil voice demonstrate that children retain and apply historical knowledge over time, making connections across different periods.

  • Pupils can articulate historical ideas fluently, using precise vocabulary and evidence to support their thinking.

  • Through history, children gain a deep respect for diverse cultures and perspectives, understanding how the past influences the world they live in today.

  • Ultimately, our history curriculum empowers children with knowledge, curiosity, and a sense of identity, preparing them to be active and informed citizens.

Black History Month

At Downton, we strongly believe in inclusivity for all. Black History Month gives us an opportunity to study and appreciate the impact that significant figures within the black community have had on our history. Take a look at some of the work that we produced during Black History Month in order to celebrate these key figures.