History at Aston Rowant School, allows pupils to step into the past, think critically about evidence and develop a strong sense of how people’s lives have shaped the world we know today. 

At Aston Rowant School we believe that history should be experienced, not just learnt. Carefully planned enrichment opportunities bring the past to life, helping pupils develop deeper understanding, stronger retention and genuine enthusiasm for historical learning. 

History enrichment at our school is closely aligned to curriculum intent and supports pupils’ historical knowledge, enquiry skills, cultural capital and personal development. 

Immersive History Days and Workshops 

Throughout the school year, pupils take part in immersive history days linked directly to their current units of study. These experiences are designed to deepen understanding by allowing pupils to step into the past and apply their learning in meaningful contexts. 

Victorian Day – Fox Class (Year 3 & 4) 

Victorian Day provides pupils with the opportunity to experience what life and schooling may have been like in the Victorian era. 

Through: 

• Handling authentic artefacts 
• Experiencing Victorian school routines 
• Exploring daily life, education and social expectations 
• Taking part in period‑appropriate crafts and activities 

Pupils gain a vivid understanding of similarity, difference and change over time. Access to real historical objects supports enquiry and discussion, while immersive activities help pupils empathise with children from the past. 

This day strengthens: 

• Chronological understanding 
• Historical vocabulary 
• Respect for evidence and artefacts 
• Reflection on how society and education have changed 

Viking Day – Owl Class (Year 5 & 6) 

Viking Day is a highly memorable enrichment experience that supports pupils in exploring the Viking Age through creativity, roleplay and enquiry. 

Pupils deepen their understanding of: 

• Viking society, culture and daily life 
• Migration, settlement and exploration 
• How historians know about the Vikings 

Activities such as storytelling, crafting, food preparation and home learning projects allow pupils to apply historical knowledge creatively, strengthening confidence and pride in learning. 

Viking Day also reinforces: 

• Cause and consequence 
• Interpretation and evidence 
• Historical significance 

Pirate Day – Owl Class (Year 5 & 6) 

Pirate Day uses the popular idea of pirates to develop historical enquiry and critical thinking. 

Pupils explore: 

• The difference between myths and historical reality 
• Piracy within the wider context of trade, exploration and law 
• Moral questions surrounding choice, justice and responsibility 

By combining roleplay with rigorous discussion, pupils learn to question sources and stereotypes, developing a more nuanced understanding of the past. 

Strong cross‑curricular links are made with: 

• Geography (navigation, trade routes, oceans) 
• English (oracy, writing in role) 
• Mathematics (problem‑solving and navigation challenges) 
• Art and Design (symbolism and visual communication) 

Great Fire of London Day – Squirrel Class (Year 1 & 2) 

Great Fire of London Day provides a highly engaging introduction to history for our youngest historians, supporting the KS1 focus on events beyond living memory. 

Led by a specialist visitor, the day brings 1666 London vividly to life through: 

• Immersive storytelling and drama 
• Building and role‑playing 17th‑century London 
• Handling artefacts and exploring original archival material 
• Solving problems as history detectives 

Pupils develop a secure understanding of: 

• Cause and consequence 
• How historians use evidence to learn about the past 
• The impact of significant events on people’s lives 

The depth of engagement shows how powerful well‑planned history enrichment can be in embedding learning and sparking curiosity at an early age. 

Visit from Mr Egypt – Fox Class (Year 3 & 4) and Owl Class (Year 5 & 6) 

The visit from Mr Egypt, a real‑life Egyptologist, is a highlight of our Key Stage 2 history enrichment programme and a powerful example of living history. 

Fox Class – Ancient Civilisations Brought to Life 

For pupils studying Ancient Egypt, the opportunity to handle artefacts over 3,000 years old transformed classroom learning into a deeply memorable experience. Pupils confidently recalled and applied prior knowledge, asked thoughtful questions and explored the lives, beliefs and achievements of ancient Egyptians. 

Learning continued beyond the visit, with pupils applying their knowledge to tasks such as pyramid construction, reinforcing understanding through practical experience. 

Owl Class – Depth, Enquiry and Literacy Links 

For Owl Class, the visit inspired high‑level historical enquiry and excellent cross‑curricular outcomes. Pupils explored topics such as burial rituals, power, belief systems and historical interpretation, including discussion of artefacts linked to Alexander the Great and Tutankhamun. 

The impact extended into English lessons, where pupils wrote newspaper reports about the visit, demonstrating strong historical understanding, ambitious vocabulary and a clear sense of audience and purpose. 

World War II Day – Owl Class (Year 5 & 6) 

World War II Day provides a powerful and thought‑provoking enrichment experience that helps pupils understand both historical events and human experiences. 

Through immersive roleplay and first‑hand sources, pupils explored: 

• Life as an evacuee 
• Rationing and everyday life on the Home Front 
• The role of Land Girls and service personnel 
• The impact of war on families and communities 

Listening to original wartime broadcasts, including Neville Chamberlain’s declaration of war, enabled pupils to experience history through authentic sources, strengthening empathy and understanding. 

Pupils demonstrated excellent oracy by presenting research, responding to questions and reflecting thoughtfully on themes such as resilience, duty and sacrifice. 

Depth, Enquiry and Personal Development 

Across all enrichment experiences, pupils: 

• Engage deeply with historical enquiry 
• Engage deeply with historical concepts  
• Develop empathy and perspective 
• Use ambitious subject‑specific vocabulary with confidence 
• Develop confidence through discussion and performance 
• See history as a living subject connected to the present 
• Make connections between past and present 
• Retain knowledge more securely through lived experience 

Behaviour and attitudes during history enrichment days are consistently exemplary, with pupils showing focus, respect and enthusiasm – strong evidence of the impact these experiences have on learning. 

Impact of History Enrichment 

History enrichment ensures learning is memorable, meaningful and deeply rooted, preparing pupils well for future study and for understanding the world around them.

As a result of our approach to history enrichment, pupils: 

• See history as meaningful, human and relevant 
• Ask thoughtful questions about evidence and interpretation 
• Develop secure chronological understanding Retain historical knowledge more securely 
• Speak confidently about the past 
• Ask thoughtful historical questions 
• Understand that history can be interpreted in different ways 
• Develop curiosity, imagination and cultural awareness 
• Build cultural capital through exposure to diverse times and societies 
• Leave with memories that support long‑term retention and reflection