History Lead
I am Mrs Knight, and I am proud to be the History Lead at Willow Farm Primary. History is important to me because it helps children understand who they are, where they come from, and how the world has been shaped over time. Having studied history at degree level, I have a real passion for historical research, which I continue to enjoy beyond the classroom. I believe history encourages curiosity, critical thinking and empathy, helping children to explore different perspectives and ask thoughtful questions. I also run an extracurricular history club for Year 5 and 6 pupils, where children can investigate the past in greater depth and develop their love of history. Above all, I want children to enjoy history and feel confident exploring the past.
History at Willow Farm
At Willow Farm Primary School, history helps children develop a secure understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. Through the study of history, pupils gain a sense of chronology, explore how people and societies have changed over time, and develop an understanding of how the past has shaped the world they live in today.
History at Willow Farm encourages children to think like historians. Pupils ask questions, examine sources, and explore different perspectives in order to build well-rounded historical understanding. Learning is engaging and meaningful, with opportunities to work with real artefacts, take part in immersive experiences, and visit places of historical interest, helping children to connect with the past in tangible ways.
The history curriculum builds progressively on prior knowledge so that children revisit key concepts and deepen their understanding as they move through the school.
Through history, pupils develop:
- Chronological understanding, placing events, people and periods in context
- Knowledge of significant people, places and events in British and world history
- Historical enquiry skills, including questioning, investigating and using evidence
- Understanding of change and continuity, causes and consequences, and similarities and differences
- Awareness of local history and cultural heritage, helping children understand their place in society
By the time pupils leave Willow Farm Primary School, they have developed confidence in discussing the past, a growing historical vocabulary, and an appreciation of the richness and diversity of history.
Documentation outlining how history is taught across the school can be found below.