History

At Willow Brook, our History curriculum inspires curiosity, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of how the past has shaped the world we live in today. Using the Kapow Primary scheme of work, our pupils journey through time to explore significant people, events and civilisations — from their own family histories to ancient empires and modern world changes.

Our curriculum follows a carefully sequenced, spiral structure where key historical concepts — such as power, monarchy, empire and civilisation — are revisited and deepened as children progress through the school. Lessons combine the teaching of substantive knowledge (what happened in the past) with disciplinary knowledge (how historians investigate and interpret evidence), allowing pupils to think like real historians.

Through enquiry-based learning, children use a wide range of sources, from artefacts and photographs to oral histories and census records, to ask questions, weigh evidence and form their own conclusions. We encourage rich discussion and debate, helping pupils to develop their oracy, reasoning and empathy as they explore the lives of people across different times and places.

At Willow Brook, History is not just about learning facts — it’s about understanding stories, connections and perspectives. Our pupils leave us with a strong sense of chronology, an appreciation for diversity across time and place, and the confidence to question and interpret the world around them.