History – Miss A. Bridgman

At Cotteridge School, we believe it is essential for children to develop a deep sense of historical curiosity about their world. Our curriculum equips pupils with the skills they need to build a meaningful and connected picture of the past, encouraging them to think and act as historians.

 Alongside learning key historical facts and dates, children are given regular opportunities to retrieve prior knowledge, strengthening their understanding and ensuring that learning is secure over time.

We place a strong emphasis on building on previous learning, helping pupils make links between topics from earlier year groups and locate these chronologically. This approach enables children to see the bigger picture of history and appreciate how events and eras connect.

 Our enquiry-led approach to teaching history allows pupils to investigate questions, analyse evidence, and evaluate historical sources. Assessment is embedded within these enquiries, enabling children to demonstrate their understanding through thoughtful discussion, problem-solving, and reflection.

 We are committed to providing opportunities for pupils to explore and make discoveries in their local area, developing their understanding of where they come from and the history and heritage of their community. The range of topics we study – including significant historical figures and events that shaped the world – enables children to develop their knowledge of both the United Kingdom and the wider world. Educational visits further enrich our curriculum, immersing pupils in the past and deepening their understanding.

 Above all, we strive to foster a lifelong love of history and equip our pupils with the curiosity and skills to continue making historical discoveries.