At Marshfield Primary, we believe that History is essential in helping children understand the world they live in and their place within it. Our curriculum, taught through the CUSP History programme, builds on children’s natural curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions, think critically and make meaningful connections across different periods of time. Through rich historical enquiries—from monarchs and ancient civilisations to the Windrush generation and World War II—children gain a secure understanding of the past and how it influences life today.
Our History curriculum is knowledge-rich and carefully sequenced, enabling pupils to develop both substantive knowledge (what happened in the past) and disciplinary knowledge (how historians work). High-quality vocabulary, retrieval practice and explicit teaching of historical concepts (such as continuity and change, cause and consequence and significance) help pupils deepen and retain their understanding.
Every lesson follows a clear learning structure that supports all children to access and engage with the content. Pupils regularly revisit prior learning, strengthening connections and building long-term knowledge. Teachers use assessment for learning to address misconceptions quickly and ensure every child progresses successfully through the curriculum.
Our curriculum is enriched through educational visits, handling artefacts, local history links and high-quality texts. These experiences bring the past to life and help children understand diverse perspectives and cultures. Opportunities for discussion, debate and extended writing allow pupils to explain their thinking, form arguments and refine their historical reasoning.
By the time pupils leave Marshfield, they are confident, analytical young historians—ready for the demands of Key Stage 3 and equipped with a deep understanding of how the past shapes our world.
