Welcome to the History page. 

Our Vision for History

At St James Junior School, our vision for history is to inspire a deep curiosity about the past and its impact on the present and future. We aim to foster a love of history by enabling pupils to explore diverse cultures, significant events and influential figures, all while developing a sense of identity and place in the world. Through history, we embed values of respect, empathy and perseverance, encouraging pupils to understand the complexity of human experiences.

Our Curriculum Approach

To support the teaching of history, we are using the CUSP scheme. CUSP provides a carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich history curriculum designed to ignite pupils' curiosity and deepen their understanding of the past. There are 5 key historical concepts that are taught throughout all units - Community, Knowledge, Invasion, Civilisation, Power and Democracy. The use of the CUSP scheme enables pupils to connect themes across time periods, critically evaluate sources and articulate their understanding with confidence.

Our Intent and Aims

Our history curriculum intent is clear: we want every child to leave St James Junior School with a strong understanding of historical events and their significance, as well as the skills to think critically and draw connections between the past and present. Specifically, we aim to:

• Build a secure chronological understanding of key historical periods and events.

• Develop pupils' ability to evaluate evidence, consider multiple perspectives, and construct reasoned arguments.

• Foster an appreciation for the diversity of human experiences across different times and cultures.

• Encourage pupils to reflect on how history shapes the world we live in today.

Assessment in History 

To ensure pupils make progress in history, we use a variety of assessment methods. Each history lesson includes "Know" statements that clearly outline the key knowledge and skills pupils should acquire. These provide a transparent framework for both teachers and learners to track progress and allow for live assessment for learning opportunities. At the end of each topic, Socrative quizzes are used to ssess pupils' understanding of key historical concepts, timelines, and events, helping to identify areas for further reinforcement. Through class discussions, historical debates and individual feedback, pupils are encouraged to reflect on their learning and celebrate successes whilst also allowing teachers to identify misconceptions.

Enrichment Opportunities

At St James Junior School, we believe history comes alive through meaningful enrichment opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. These include educational trips to historical landmarks, museums and heritage sites and hosting workshops and visitors where children can learn interactively.

By combining a rigorous history curriculum with rich and varied experiences, we aim to develop well-rounded historians who can think critically, empathize with diverse perspectives and contribute meaningfully to society. At St James Junior School, we are committed to creating a nurturing environment where every child can flourish through the study of history.