History
History at Ashton Hayes Primary School
Vision for History
At Ashton Hayes Primary School, we believe that the study of history helps children understand how the past has shaped the world they live in today. As a small rural school in Cheshire, our pupils grow up within a close-knit community and a largely familiar environment. Our history curriculum aims to both celebrate this sense of place and identity while also broadening pupils' understanding of the diverse histories, cultures and experiences that exist beyond their immediate community.
Through learning about local, national and global history, pupils develop curiosity about the past and begin to understand how societies change over time. By exploring significant individuals, events and civilisations, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, examine evidence and think critically about how the past influences the present.
We want pupils to see themselves as young historians who can investigate the past, challenge assumptions and understand different perspectives. Through this, they develop empathy, respect and a deeper understanding of the diversity of human experience.
By linking our local heritage with wider historical narratives, our history curriculum enables pupils to develop a strong sense of identity and belonging while also expanding their knowledge beyond their own community. We believe that history is best understood when children can experience it first-hand through visits, artefacts, historical sites and immersive learning opportunities that bring the past to life.
We aim for all pupils to:
The history curriculum at Ashton Hayes Primary School is designed to provide pupils with a secure understanding of Britain's past and that of the wider world. It aims to develop pupils' chronological knowledge, historical vocabulary and ability to think critically about historical evidence.
As a rural village school, we recognise that many of our pupils have limited direct exposure to the diversity of experiences and cultures beyond their local area. Our history curriculum therefore intentionally broadens pupils' perspectives by introducing them to a wide range of historical societies, civilisations and global events. Through studying ancient civilisations, migration, conflict and cultural change, pupils gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and diversity of human history.
At the same time, we place strong value on our own community and local heritage. Pupils investigate the history of Ashton Hayes and the surrounding Cheshire area, helping them understand how their village and environment have developed over time. These local studies help pupils make meaningful connections between their own lives and the wider historical world.
Our curriculum is carefully sequenced so that knowledge builds progressively across year groups. Pupils begin by learning about their own lives and community before exploring significant people and events, ancient civilisations and major periods in British history. This structure ensures that all pupils gain the knowledge and skills required by the National Curriculum while developing a deep and meaningful understanding of the past.
Through engaging enquiry questions, historical sources, visits and enrichment experiences, we aim to inspire pupils to become curious, thoughtful and reflective learners who understand the importance of learning from history.
Implementation
History at Ashton Hayes Primary School is taught through a carefully planned sequence of units that ensures full coverage of the National Curriculum and progression of historical knowledge and disciplinary skills across the school.
The curriculum is organised so that pupils develop an increasingly secure understanding of chronology. Younger pupils begin by exploring changes within living memory and learning about significant individuals before progressing to ancient civilisations, key periods of British history and local historical studies. This carefully sequenced approach enables pupils to build a coherent understanding of Britain's past and its place within world history.
Across Key Stage 2, pupils study topics including the Stone Age, Ancient Egypt, the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Ancient Greece, the Industrial Revolution and World War II. Through these studies, pupils develop a secure chronological framework while exploring themes such as settlement, conflict, innovation, migration and cultural change.
Lessons are built around historical enquiry. Pupils are encouraged to ask perceptive questions, analyse historical sources, consider different viewpoints and draw conclusions based on evidence. Teachers use a wide range of historical sources, including photographs, artefacts, maps, documents, oral histories and digital resources to bring history to life and develop pupils' understanding of how historians investigate the past.
Our local area provides an important context for historical learning. Pupils explore the history of Ashton Hayes and the wider Cheshire area through local studies, enabling them to understand how their own community has changed over time and how local history connects with national events.
The curriculum is enriched through carefully planned visits, visitors and immersive experiences. Pupils visit museums, including the World Museum Liverpool, where they encounter historical artefacts and exhibitions that deepen their understanding of different periods in history. Visiting historians and educational workshops provide opportunities for pupils to handle replica artefacts, participate in role-play and experience history through practical, memorable activities that bring learning vividly to life.
Teachers adapt learning to ensure that all pupils can access the curriculum successfully. Storytelling, high-quality texts, visual resources, practical activities and collaborative learning support all pupils in developing historical knowledge, vocabulary and enquiry skills.
Impact
Through the history curriculum at Ashton Hayes Primary School, pupils develop a secure understanding of the past and how it has shaped the present. They build a strong chronological framework of historical periods and develop the ability to connect significant events, people and civilisations across time.
Pupils leave the school with the ability to think critically about historical information, ask thoughtful questions and evaluate evidence. They understand that history can be interpreted in different ways and appreciate the importance of considering multiple sources before drawing conclusions.
By studying a wide range of historical societies and cultures, pupils develop a broader understanding of the world beyond their own community. They gain empathy, respect and curiosity for people whose lives and experiences differ from their own, while recognising the diversity and complexity of human history.
Through visits to museums, local historical sites and immersive workshops, pupils experience history beyond the classroom. These memorable experiences deepen their understanding, strengthen historical enquiry skills and help pupils develop a genuine enthusiasm for learning about the past.
At the same time, pupils develop a strong sense of place through their understanding of Ashton Hayes and the surrounding Cheshire area. They appreciate how their own community has developed over time and recognise how local history contributes to the wider story of Britain.
Ultimately, pupils leave Ashton Hayes Primary School as confident, curious and reflective young historians who embody our vision to 'Aspire to be Amazing'. They are equipped with the knowledge, skills and curiosity to continue exploring the past and to understand how history continues to shape the world they live in today.