The standard and mixed-age History schemes are based on principles outlined in Ofsted’s History research review.

The standard and mixed-age History schemes are continually evaluated and refined through regular curriculum reviews, internal audits and feedback from subscribing schools.

Updates are informed by the latest subject-specific research, changes to National curriculum guidance and developments in pedagogy. This ensures the curriculum remains current, effective and relevant.

Kapow Primary’s History scheme has been designed as a spiral curriculum with the following key principles in mind:

• Cyclical – pupils return to the key knowledge and skills again and again during their time in primary school.
• Increasing depth – each time a skill is revisited, it is covered with greater complexity.
• Prior knowledge – pupils build upon previous foundations rather than starting again.

The process of broadening horizons starts with familiar contexts, such as the pupils’ personal history, and then gradually expands to more distant perspectives.

This approach helps pupils build on their existing knowledge and recognise their position in broader timelines.

Ways of knowing

Pupils gain knowledge of the subject as a discipline, considering how historical knowledge (such as the substantive knowledge they study) originates through historical enquiry and interpretation.

Knowing about

Substantive knowledge refers to the content learners gain through studying the History curriculum: the established knowledge about the past, including events, people, societies and the processes of change and continuity that have shaped them.

Lessons encourage discussion, debate and presentations on history topics. This allows pupils to articulate their understanding, justify opinions and engage in collaborative learning.

Throughout the History scheme, pupils use oracy to enhance their learning by thinking aloud, questioning and discussing activities. They develop essential skills such as choosing appropriate vocabulary, organising their ideas and listening effectively.

The curriculum promotes awareness of social responsibility and change over time, encouraging pupils to explore key historical themes such as human rights, conflict, inequality and the impact of past decisions on the present and future.

Understanding how societies have responded to major challenges, such as war, revolution, migration, and reform, helps pupils grasp the roots of contemporary issues.

As highlighted in the Department for Education’s Sustainability and climate change strategy, educating pupils on the historical context of societal shifts is vital for informed citizenship. The guidance supports schools in creating inclusive, reflective learning environments.

Pupils analyse historical evidence, compare different perspectives and evaluate sources of information.

This helps them question assumptions, understand bias and form reasoned conclusions about past events and their impact on the present.

Lessons promote British values (democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance) by incorporating activities that encourage debate, respect for differing opinions and an understanding of societal structures.

Kapow Primary’s History curriculum broadens pupils’ experiences by introducing them to significant individuals, historical contexts and diverse cultures and traditions.

The scheme helps ensure pupils gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand the past and engage meaningfully in society today.

Lessons build on curiosity, exploration and discussion, which are central to EYFS (Reception) learning. As pupils move into Year 1, more structured activities are gradually introduced.

In KS1, oracy, questioning and storytelling help pupils transition from informal to more formal subject-based learning.

The History scheme supports the progressive development of skills, such as observation, reasoning and problem-solving, which are introduced in EYFS (Reception) and strengthened in KS1.

Adaptive teaching strategies ensure all learners are supported as they transition to more formal learning approaches.

The History scheme aligns with the EYFS Early Learning Goals, making connections with communication and language, understanding the world and expressive arts to create a seamless transition.

It promotes independence and confidence, supporting pupils as they adapt to the expectations of KS1 learning.

With Kapow Primary’s CPD videos, subject leaders can develop their expertise and, in turn, support their colleagues in delivering high-quality lessons.

Whether helping with subject knowledge, modelling effective teaching techniques or offering practical tips for the classroom, Kapow’s CPD videos ensure that every teacher has access to the support they need.

It is important that pupils begin to ‘think like historians’ by considering how historians question and explain the past.

Accordingly, the Kapow Primary History scheme uses an enquiry cycle to support planning fieldwork. This encourages pupils to ask questions and learn how historians reach their answers through enquiry.

A short, engaging activity designed to hook pupils into the new learning in the lesson.

This could be a thought-provoking question, a quick investigation or an interactive discussion to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for the topic.

The core part of the lesson, where pupils engage in activities that develop their understanding of the learning objective.

This includes a mixture of teacher modelling, guided practice and independent or collaborative tasks tailored to support all learners.

A final reflective activity that consolidates learning.

This could involve reviewing the success criteria, discussing key learning or applying knowledge in a different context to assess understanding and encourage deeper thinking.

• Activates prior knowledge – helps pupils make connections between new and existing learning, reducing cognitive overload.
• Strengthens memory pathways – retrieval practice has been shown to improve retention more effectively than passive review.
• Identifies gaps in understanding – teachers can quickly assess what pupils remember and address misconceptions before introducing new content.
• Builds confidence – regular recall activities reassure pupils that they can remember key concepts, improving engagement and motivation.
• Promotes spaced learning – revisiting prior learning at regular intervals supports long-term retention, rather than cramming information into a single lesson.

Due to budget constraints and varied staffing structures, it is not always possible to have classroom support from additional staff.

Kapow Primary’s History lessons are designed with this in mind, providing resources and explanations that allow teachers to deliver high-quality lessons independently without necessarily relying on additional adults.

If additional support is suggested in a lesson, it is clearly marked within the Have ready part of the lesson plan.

Kapow Primary’s History curriculum is designed to be taught on a termly basis, alternating with Geography. As a result, the scheme is already condensed while still fully meeting the requirements of the National curriculum.

Lessons encourage discussion, reflection and verbal explanations. This allows teachers to capture pupils’ understanding through questioning, class discussions and recorded responses, supporting a broader view of progress beyond written work.

The Assessment spreadsheet helps to track pupils’ History attainment over time.

This tool allows teachers to record progress against learning objectives and assessment statements, making it easier to monitor development and identify areas for support.

The scheme supports school improvement using:

• Consistent, high-quality teaching – a structured scheme ensures a coherent approach across year groups, supporting curriculum progression.
• Assessment and evidence tracking – built-in assessment materials help teachers monitor progress and demonstrate impact.
• Alignment with Ofsted expectations – the scheme supports personal development, broadens pupils’ horizons and ensures a knowledge-rich curriculum, helping schools meet inspection criteria.

By reducing workload, building teacher expertise and ensuring high teaching standards, Kapow Primary contributes to a confident teaching staff and a well-structured, effective curriculum that supports whole-school improvement.

• Assessment materials (e.g. Unit quizzes, Knowledge catchers and the Assessment spreadsheet) can be used to provide information about pupil progress.
• Written outcomes and pupil voice show engagement, understanding and the ability to recall knowledge.

• Key documents and CPD videos help subject leaders confidently discuss the History curriculum.
• Knowledge organisers and lesson plans provide details of what has been taught and learned.
• The Adaptive teaching section in each lesson provides an opportunity to discuss inclusivity and demonstrate how all learners are supported.

• The scheme broadens pupils’ horizons, develops critical thinking and promotes British values, contributing to Ofsted’s personal development and well-being criteria.
• Lessons integrate real-world connections and cultural capital, showcasing a rich learning experience.

• Equips subject leaders to articulate intent, implementation and impact – CPD videos provide clear explanations and subject knowledge to help leaders confidently discuss the curriculum with inspectors.
• Builds teacher confidence and consistency – ongoing training ensures all staff understand the curriculum structure and feel prepared to deliver high-quality History lessons across the school.