History at Lawford C of E Primary School

We aim to ensure that by the end of their time at Lawford Primary, every child:

• Has secure chronological knowledge of British and global history.
• Understands the disciplinary nature of history: that it is constructed from evidence, contested, and interpreted.
• Can ask thoughtful historical questions, use evidence, and begin to form their own interpretations.
• Sees themselves reflected in the curriculum through inclusive and representative content.
• Understands how their locality connects to wider national and global stories. Local history is threaded throughout: from shops in our own community to Harwich’s naval history, Ipswich’s port trade, and the impact of industrialisation on our town.

As our pupils progress as historians and develop their knowledge of the past, they will develop the enquiry skills required to ask perceptive questions; the analysis skills needed to think critically and evaluate source-based evidence; and the problem-solving skills necessary for them to build their own judgements on past events and people.

We value the importance of teaching history through a lens of inclusivity and diversity. Our curriculum is designed to reflect a broad spectrum of voices and experiences, acknowledging the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds. It nurtures critical thinking, and ensures that every pupil develops a secure understanding of the past — not just as facts to remember, but as ideas to explore and question. The lives of significant individuals are studied in a non-tokenistic way through powerful comparisons such as Olaudah Equiano and Yinka Shonibare, and Mary Beale and Helen Sharman.

History happened right where we live. These spotlights shine a light on people, places, and events from our local area. Each term we display and discuss these individuals in relation to our history unit.

History belongs to everyone. These spotlights celebrate individuals from a range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. During each topic we display and discuss these individuals in relation to our history unit.