Welcome to Eden Park's History Curriculum

Our History curriculum has been carefully designed to ensure that children develop a rich and secure understanding of the past, whilst building the knowledge, vocabulary and historical skills they need to become confident and curious historians.

History is an important part of our curriculum at Eden Park. We want our children to develop a genuine fascination with the past and an understanding of how people, societies and events have shaped the world in which we live today. Through carefully sequenced learning, children explore significant people, events, civilisations and periods of history, developing an understanding of change and continuity, chronology, cause and consequence, similarity and difference and historical significance.

Our curriculum is designed to ensure that children experience a broad range of historical periods and societies as they progress through the school. We place a strong emphasis on developing both historical knowledge and disciplinary skills, enabling children to ask questions, examine evidence, make connections and develop their own interpretations of the past.

We want our children to leave Eden Park with a strong understanding of Britain's past and its place within the wider history of the world, whilst appreciating the diversity of human experiences and recognising how the past continues to influence our lives today.

On this page you will find:

This Is How We Do It Here – History

‍A summary of our intentions, expectations and approach to teaching History at Eden Park.

EYFS History Curriculum - An overview of the knowledge, skills and experiences children develop during their time in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Our historical journey begins in Early Years through the ‘Understanding the World’ area of learning. Children explore key events in the calendar and begin understanding their own history through topics like ‘All About Me’. In our Frogs Nursery, children learn about their immediate family history, and in Reception, they discover the history of their home, Brixham. Trips to local places like the museum and studying historical pictures allow children to build the foundation of historical knowledge they will build on in later years.

‍Year 1 and 2 History Curriculum - Our curriculum journey for Key Stage 1, building foundational historical knowledge and developing children's understanding of chronology and change.

In Year 1, children develop their understanding of chronology and events beyond living memory. They explore local history through topics like ‘Castles’, learning how conflicts led to the construction of defensive structures. They also study ‘The Gunpowder Plot’, understanding the significance of Bonfire Night.

In Year 2, children learn about significant individuals in history through ‘Pioneers and Explorers’, such as Sir Francis Drake, Amelia Earhart, and Neil Armstrong. The importance of reflection and remembrance is introduced through the study of Remembrance Day, building on their understanding of conflict.

‍Year 3 and 4 History Curriculum - Our lower Key Stage 2 curriculum, where children develop greater chronological knowledge, historical understanding and confidence in using evidence.

‍Year 5 and 6 History Curriculum - Our upper Key Stage 2 curriculum, where children deepen their historical understanding, make connections across periods and develop increasingly independent historical interpretations.

InIn Lower Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4), children study history chronologically, starting with the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. They then move on to Ancient Egypt, the Roman invasion of Britain, and the conflicts between the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons.

In Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6), children compare ancient civilizations, including the Ancient Greeks and Ancient Maya, while continuing their exploration of significant individuals. They revisit Sir Francis Drake and learn about pioneers like Sir Ernest Shackleton, Emmeline Pankhurst, and Charles Darwin. Their historical journey concludes with an in-depth study of World War II, exploring its causes, consequences, and the local impact on Brixham.

‍History Progression Roadmap

A clear overview of the journey our learners take from EYFS through to Year 6, showing how chronological knowledge, historical vocabulary, disciplinary skills and understanding develop and build progressively over time.

History Timeline of Studies

A summary of the historical periods, civilisations, events and significant individuals our children will encounter throughout their time at Eden Park. This includes opportunities to explore local history, British history and the history of the wider world.

‍Supporting Documents and Resources

Additional information and resources provide further insight into our History curriculum, alongside ideas, activities and materials that families can use to support and inspire historical learning at home.

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At Eden Park, we want every child to have the opportunity to question, investigate, discover and understand the past. Through our History curriculum, children develop not only as knowledgeable and confident historians, but as curious, thoughtful and reflective individuals who understand how the past has shaped the world around them and their place within it.

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Guiding Principle of Aspirations in History

One of our Guiding Principles is Aspiration. We encourage our children to aspire every day, in everything they do, and to believe that their learning can open doors to a world of possibilities.

Whenever we begin a new Learning Enquiry in Key Stage 2, we share with the children examples of the careers and opportunities that their learning could lead to in the future. Whether they are exploring science, history, geography, art, computing or another area of the curriculum, we want them to see the real-world relevance of what they are learning.

By making these connections, we aim to open children's eyes to the wealth of possibilities available to them and help them understand that their learning today can shape their opportunities tomorrow.

We want every child to develop a “What could I become?” mindset — to dream big, recognise their own potential and understand that there are many different pathways to success. Most importantly, we want our children to leave us believing that their aspirations are within reach and that the knowledge, skills and attitudes they develop at school can help them to achieve them.

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‍Enriching History

At our school, history truly comes to life through a rich variety of inspiring and educational experiences beyond the classroom. Each year, our pupils have the exciting opportunity to explore significant historical sites that deepen their understanding and spark their curiosity. From discovering prehistoric life in the fascinating caves of Kent’s Cavern to stepping back into medieval times at Totnes Castle, our history curriculum is filled with memorable adventures. Children explore local World War I memorials to connect with the past on a personal level, while trips to the Golden Hind and the Brixham Battery Museum ignite imaginations and bring historical events vividly into focus. Visits to the Exeter Museum further enhance their learning with hands-on exhibits andartefacts of the Roman period in Exeter. These enriching opportunities help children develop a lasting appreciation for history and ensure their learning is both meaningful and unforgettable.

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