History at Saxmundham Primary School aims to develop curiosity and interest in the world and people around them. Children are encouraged to question, analyse and problem solve, skills they can then use across the rest of the curriculum.

This begins in the Early Years where pupils begin to establish what is meant by past and present and make simple comparisons; celebrate acts of remembrance and festivals and explore through play.

Children in KS1 and KS2 history are taught through an ‘enquiry’ approach. History topics begin with questions or ideas that encourage the children to research, analyse, debate and evaluate at a level that is appropriate for their age. Wherever possible, a range of sources and experiences will be used to enthuse and engage the children through first hand experience. These may include photos, artefacts, recounts, trips and visitors as well as video recreations of places linked to the topic e.g. a walk through London at the time of the Great Fire.

Throughout their journey, the pupils will also develop an understanding of chronology, through calendars, sequencing and timelines, providing children with the secure understanding of time and how key events in the past have helped form the world and culture we live in now.