Across the Black Country Federation, we see history as the study of people, events and ideas that have shaped the world we live in today. It helps pupils understand the past, make sense of the present and think carefully about the future.

Our CUSP (Curriculum with Unity Schools Partnership) History curriculum is designed so that pupils:

• Gain secure knowledge of significant events, individuals, civilisations and key concepts.
• Develop the skills to think like historians, understanding chronology, cause and consequence, change and continuity, and historical significance.
• Build knowledge over time, revisiting important themes and ideas in a structured way.
• Use historical enquiry to question, analyse and interpret sources.
• Explore local, national and global history, recognising the diversity of human experience.

Our aim is that every child leaves our school with a broad and connected understanding of history, and the confidence to think critically about the world around them.

A Knowledge-Rich, Concept-Driven Curriculum

The CUSP History curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop deep understanding. It places strong emphasis on:

• Chronological understanding, so pupils can place events and civilisations within a clear timeline.
• Historical enquiry, using evidence to ask and answer questions about the past.
• Thematic connections, exploring ideas such as power, conflict, democracy, invasion and civilisation across different periods.
• Explicit teaching of historical vocabulary, enabling pupils to speak and write about the past with accuracy.
• Cumulative learning, ensuring that knowledge builds from EYFS through to Year 6.

This approach ensures that history is not taught as isolated facts, but as a coherent and meaningful subject.

History in the Early Years

In EYFS, history is taught through “Understanding the World”. Children begin to:

• Develop a sense of past, present and future through their own experiences, such as birthdays and family events.
• Listen to and discuss stories about significant people and events.
• Recognise how things change over time, including homes, transport and technology.
• Use simple vocabulary related to time and change.

These early experiences prepare children for more structured historical learning in Key Stage 1.

The Structure of a History Lesson

Each lesson follows a clear sequence to support understanding and enquiry:

• Connect – revisiting prior learning and linking it to new content.
• Explain – introducing key vocabulary, concepts and historical context.
• Example – modelling analysis and historical thinking.
• Attempt – completing structured tasks to develop knowledge and skills.
• Apply – working independently through writing, discussion or enquiry.
• Challenge – exploring more complex questions or comparisons.

This structure supports steady progression in both knowledge and analytical skills.

Core Historical Concepts

The curriculum is built around key concepts that are revisited across year groups.

Chronology
Pupils develop a mental timeline of British, European and world history. They use time-related vocabulary such as century, BC and AD, and make links between different periods.

Cause and Consequence
Children explore why events happened and consider their impact. They learn to think carefully about how and why change occurs.

Change and Continuity
Pupils identify what has changed and what has remained the same over time, comparing different periods and societies.

Similarity and Difference
They examine the experiences of different groups, considering how factors such as class, gender and culture shaped people’s lives.

Historical Enquiry
Children work with a range of sources, including artefacts, documents and images. They learn to question reliability, recognise bias and consider different interpretations.

Historical Significance
Pupils study important individuals and events, considering why they matter and what impact they had.

Local History

We ensure that history feels relevant by studying our own community.

In Year 2, pupils explore how the local area has changed within living memory. They investigate changes to homes, transport and shops, and use maps and photographs to understand how the town has developed.

In Year 6, pupils study the impact of the Second World War on the local area. They learn about the role of local industries, evacuation, rationing and rebuilding, and explore memorials and the stories of those who served.

These studies help pupils see that history is not only something that happened elsewhere, but something that has shaped their own community.

The Impact of Our History Curriculum

By the time pupils leave our school, they are:

• Confident in discussing and analysing historical events and ideas.
• Knowledgeable about key aspects of British and world history.
• Able to ask thoughtful questions and support their answers with evidence.
• Aware of how the past influences the present.
• Well prepared for further study in Key Stage 3.

Further Information

For more information about our CUSP History curriculum, including knowledge documents, curriculum overviews and enrichment opportunities, please contact our Curriculum Lead, Tom Amphlett, at info@brockmoor.dudley.sch.uk.