At Bridge & Patrixbourne Church of England Primary School, we believe that history is much more than just dates and facts — it is an exciting journey that helps our pupils become inquisitive learners who understand the rich tapestry of the past, from our local area to Britain and beyond. As a maintained primary school rooted in a close-knit village community near Canterbury, we are proud to offer a history curriculum that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and respect for diverse perspectives.
Our History Curriculum: Exploring the Past with Curiosity and Respect
The teaching of history at Bridge & Patrixbourne CEP School is designed to inspire pupils’ natural curiosity and encourage them to explore and question the stories of the past. We see history as a puzzle for our pupils to piece together — connecting events, interpreting sources, and forming their own informed opinions based on evidence.
- Developing Historical Skills: Pupils learn to question the reliability and validity of historical sources, helping them to think critically and independently.
- Cross-Curricular Links: History lessons are carefully linked with other subjects, enriching learning through unique educational and cultural opportunities.
- Celebrating Cultural Diversity: Our curriculum highlights that history is told from many viewpoints and encourages pupils to challenge prejudices and historical biases.
- Use of Diverse Texts: Through a variety of historical fiction and non-fiction texts in English, pupils deepen their understanding of past ideologies and develop empathy for different experiences.
- Confidence in Inquiry: We empower pupils to ask meaningful questions and to be open-minded and respectful when examining evidence, reflecting our core values of Trust, Compassion, and Generosity.
Connecting History to Our Community and Beyond
Our school’s location offers wonderful opportunities to bring history to life. We have forged strong links with local museums in Canterbury and the surrounding areas, enabling pupils to experience history first-hand. Additionally, our partnership with the Bridge and District Historical Society allows our pupils to connect their learning with local events and heritage.
Supporting Our Vision Through History
Our history curriculum reflects the core values that underpin Bridge & Patrixbourne CEP School:
- Service: Encouraging pupils to learn from the past to contribute positively to their community.
- Forgiveness & Trust: Teaching pupils to understand different perspectives and respect diverse histories.
- Generosity & Compassion: Inspiring empathy for people from all walks of life and times.
Through history, pupils develop a deep appreciation of how communities grow and change, preparing them to make a positive difference in the world.
Discover History with Us
We warmly invite parents to engage with their children’s historical learning journey — whether by visiting local museums, exploring historical landmarks around Bridge, or discussing the stories and questions that arise from our lessons.
