History

How do we teach History in the Bursledon Federation?

At Bursledon Federation, History is brought to life through an engaging, knowledge-rich curriculum that inspires children to explore the past with curiosity and purpose. Our teaching helps pupils understand significant events, people and civilisations, while developing strong chronological understanding and the ability to make meaningful connections across time. Using high‑quality sources, artefacts and stories, children investigate evidence, question it's reliability and build well‑reasoned interpretations of the past. Oracy plays a vital role in our History lessons, with Oracy strategies enabling pupils to articulate ideas clearly, debate perspectives, and engage in thoughtful historical dialogue. Through discussion, critical thinking and immersive learning experiences, children develop a deep appreciation of how history has shaped the world they live in today. Our aim is for all pupils to leave Bursledon as confident, reflective learners who enjoy history and understand its importance in their lives and the wider world.

We believe that History makes a valuable and distinctive contribution to our pupils’ education. Our History Curriculum follows the National Curriculum and is organised through half-termly topics. It is this topic-based approach which makes links through other areas of the curriculum. Our children will develop historical skills: through chronological understanding, using a range and depth of historical knowledge, interpretations of history, historical enquiry and organisation and communication. We seek to inspire in children, a curiosity and fascination about the world and its people both past and present, which will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Our desire is to have our children leave at the end of KS2, feeling as though they have thoroughly enjoyed history lessons, inspiring and encouraging them to take on new life experiences and adventures both now and in the future.

The Bursledon History Curriculum

National Curriculum link for History Programme of study: Click Here

EYFS curriculum link: Click here

Infant History Curriculum Overview

Junior History Curriculum Overview

History Medium Term Planning example: Click here

History Knowledge Organiser example: Click here

What does a Bursledon History expert look like?

Curious investigator – asks insightful questions about the past and seeks to understand how and why events happened.
Confident communicator – uses oracy skills to articulate historical ideas clearly, debate viewpoints and engage in purposeful discussion.
Evidence explorer – examines a range of sources to gather information, question reliability and interpret the past.
Chronology champion – understands timelines, significant periods and key historical concepts in the correct order.
Perspective taker – considers different viewpoints, recognising that people in the past had varied experiences and motivations.
Vocabulary builder – uses accurate historical terminology to explain events, contexts and interpretations.
Connection maker – links historical events to modern life, identifying patterns, changes and continuities over time.