"The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future." – Theodore Roosevelt

At Milton Abbot School, our History curriculum inspires children to become curious, thoughtful and engaged historians. Through the study of Britain's past and the wider world, pupils develop an understanding of how societies have changed over time and how the past continues to influence our lives today.

We encourage children to ask questions, investigate evidence and think critically about different historical interpretations. By exploring significant events, people and civilisations, children develop a chronological understanding of history and gain insight into the experiences of people from different periods and cultures.

Our curriculum helps children to:

• Develop a secure understanding of British and world history.
• Build a chronological framework of key historical periods.
• Understand how and why societies have changed over time.
• Investigate and evaluate different historical sources.
• Ask questions and think critically about the past.
• Recognise the impact of significant people, events and achievements.
• Understand how history shapes the world we live in today.

Our school values are at the heart of History:

Mindfulness

History helps children understand the experiences, beliefs and challenges of people from the past. By exploring different lives and perspectives, pupils develop empathy, respect and a deeper appreciation of how people and communities have shaped our world. They learn to reflect on the lessons of history and consider their role within society today.

Ambition

Through studying explorers, inventors, leaders, reformers and pioneers, children are inspired by individuals who have changed the world. History encourages pupils to think beyond their own experiences, develop aspirations for the future and understand how determination and innovation can lead to significant achievements.

Perseverance

History shows children that progress often comes through challenge, resilience and perseverance. By studying significant events, discoveries and moments of change, pupils learn that individuals and societies have overcome difficulties throughout history. They develop resilience in their own learning as they analyse evidence, question interpretations and construct well-reasoned conclusions.

Success

Children develop confidence as they grow their historical knowledge and skills. Through enquiry, discussion and investigation, pupils learn how to communicate their ideas clearly and support them with evidence. Success is celebrated through curiosity, achievement and an increasing ability to think and work as historians.

We believe that history comes alive when children make connections between the past and present. Through artefacts, source material, storytelling, local history and historical enquiry, pupils develop a rich understanding of how people lived in different times and places. Our local heritage provides valuable opportunities for children to explore the history of their community while placing it within the wider story of Britain and the world.

By the time they leave Milton Abbot School, our children will be knowledgeable, inquisitive and reflective historians. They will have developed a strong understanding of chronology, cause and consequence, continuity and change, alongside the confidence to question, investigate and learn from the past. Most importantly, they will understand that history helps us make sense of the present and shape the future with Mindfulness, Ambition, Perseverance and Success at the heart of all they do.