History is an integral part of the ‘Knowledge and Understanding of the World’ hub at St Mary’s. The school’s rich history within the development of the town is at the centre of the History cog and is a celebrated and inspiring feature of the school. Full use is made of the resources within the immediate and local area, enabling children to develop a deep understanding of the rich history of their locality and the importance of their place within it. Through the broader study of history, our intent is to inspire children’s curiosity, encourage them to ask critical questions, enable them to have a better understanding of the society in which they live, as well as that of the wider world, and to learn valuable lessons from the actions of previous generations.
The history curriculum at St. Mary's integrates the core Christian values of Learning, Transforming, and Growing, aligning with the school's broader educational philosophy:
Intent At St. Mary's, our intent is to inspire curiosity about the past, encourage critical questioning, and deepen children' understanding of their local and global context. We aim to foster an appreciation for history while teaching valuable lessons from past generations. Grounded in the Christian value of Learning, children are encouraged to seek knowledge and wisdom from history, using it to better understand the world and their place in it. By reflecting on history through a Christian lens, children learn to engage with their faith, appreciate human dignity, and recognise the transformative power of past events.
Implementation We take a project-based, cross-curricular approach to teaching history that emphasises the skills of analysis, critical thinking, and reflection. This connects to the Christian value of Transforming, where learning about history inspires inner change, encourages moral reflection, and fosters growth in character. As children explore history, they are encouraged to reflect on how historical events have shaped society and how these lessons can lead to positive personal and societal transformation. Local history is explored through hands-on activities, showing how transformation can occur in one’s immediate community. Impact The history curriculum promotes the Christian value of Growing by encouraging children to reflect on their learning and apply historical knowledge to their own lives. The impact of this curriculum is evident in children’ growing independence, critical thinking, and engagement. Through projects, exhibitions, and performances, children demonstrate not only their knowledge of history but also how they’ve grown in responsibility, citizenship, and moral understanding. These experiences help them understand their role as part of God’s plan and as active contributors to society, promoting both intellectual and spiritual growth. This approach ensures that children at St. Mary's are not only well-versed in history but also continually learning, transforming and growing in their faith and understanding of the world.