History at St Gregory's Catholic Primary School
"The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future." – Theodore Roosevelt
At St Gregory's Catholic Primary School, we believe that history is far more than learning about dates and events. It is about discovering the stories, achievements, challenges and experiences that have shaped our world and understanding how the past influences our lives today.
Inspired by the National Curriculum, we aim to develop children's curiosity about the past, helping them gain a rich understanding of Britain’s history and that of the wider world. Through engaging learning experiences, pupils explore how societies have changed over time, how cultures have influenced one another and how historical events continue to shape the world in which we live.
History is a subject that is particularly close to the heart of Mrs Beesley, Subject Leader, whose enthusiasm and passion for the past inspire children throughout our school. Mrs Beesley believes that every child should have the opportunity to think, question and investigate like a historian. Her commitment to bringing history to life encourages pupils to develop a genuine fascination with the people, places and events that have shaped our world.
Our bespoke history curriculum is designed to immerse children in the past through memorable experiences that spark awe and wonder. Through enquiry, discussion, investigation and the study of historical sources, pupils develop the skills needed to become curious learners, asking thoughtful questions and seeking evidence to deepen their understanding.
As historians, we encourage our children to be reflective, considering how the actions and decisions of people in the past have influenced our present. They are taught to be responsible, understanding the importance of learning from history and recognising their role in shaping a better future. Through examining different viewpoints and tackling challenging questions, they become resilient learners, developing the confidence to analyse evidence, challenge assumptions and justify their opinions. Above all, we want our children to remain curious, eager to discover more about the world and the people who came before them.
As a Catholic school, we also encourage pupils to reflect on how history helps us understand our own identity, values and place within God's world. By learning from the past, children develop empathy, respect and an appreciation of the diversity of human experience, enabling them to become thoughtful citizens who embody our school values of Be Kind • Be Fair • Be Honest.
At St Gregory's, history is not simply a subject to be studied; it is a journey of discovery. Through the passion of Mrs Beesley and our engaging curriculum, we inspire children to become reflective, responsible, resilient and curious historians who learn from the past to shape the future.
"Inspiring curiosity, nurturing resilience and bringing the past to life."
Mr D 2026
Click below for Class Knowledge Organisers.
We want our children at St Gregory’s to know key events and where they sit within a historical chronology. But we also want them to question why? How? What if?
As they advance the school, children should increasingly become ‘historical detectives’. Not only looking at and using sources, but thinking critically about their implications and value as well as sifting through the murky waters of fact and opinion.
History provides excellent opportunity for cross curricular links such as holding debates, understanding where in the world certain events took place and why, putting themselves in the situation of others; developing skills of empathy and also learning how and when to be objective when investigating and looking for fact.
These cross curricular links are capitalised as much as possible. At the end of their historical journey with us, we hope that are children are fascinated by the past of Britain and the wider world, understand the complexity and diversity of society and begin to understand their own identity and the challenges of their time.
Click Here for History Curriculum Overview
Click here for History Curriculum – End of Year Expectations
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‘A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.’
Marcus Garvey