Welcome to History at Green Lane Primary Academy
“At Green Lane, history opens a window into the past so children can better
understand the world today and their place within it.”
History at Green Lane is about more than learning dates and facts – it’s about discovering stories, exploring different lives, and understanding how past events have shaped the world around us. We want our pupils to leave with a strong sense of identity, an appreciation for diversity, and the curiosity to keep asking questions about the past.
Why We Love History
We love history because it helps children connect with people and events across time. It gives them the chance to imagine what life was like in the past and to see how decisions made long ago still influence our lives today. By studying history, pupils learn empathy, develop critical thinking, and begin to understand concepts such as power, authority, and community. They discover that history isn’t just about kings and queens – it’s also about ordinary people, local stories, and voices from around the world.
What Learning Looks Like
Pupils’ historical knowledge builds year by year. In the Early Years, children start by talking about their own lives and families, looking at how they change and grow over time. They explore special events and traditions in their local community. In Key Stage 1, pupils begin to study famous people and important events from Britain’s past, often comparing life then and now – for example, how homes or toys have changed. By Key Stage 2, pupils explore a wide range of periods and places, from Ancient Civilisations and the Roman Empire to the Second World War. They also investigate local history, discovering how Middlesbrough has been shaped by industry and migration. Learning is guided by big questions – such as “Islamic Golden Age: Why is this a golden age in history?” – which encourage pupils to think like historians. Step by step, they build a timeline of the past that helps them make sense of the present.
Talking, Exploring and Doing
At Green Lane, history comes to life through discussion, drama, and hands-on experiences. Pupils debate questions such as ‘Who were the Vikings: Raiders of Traders?’ They take part in role play and re-enactments, handle historical artefacts, and use evidence to support their ideas. Visits to local museums and historical sites give children first-hand experiences that deepen their understanding and spark their curiosity.
What Makes Us Special
Our local area is rich in history, and we make the most of it. From exploring the heritage of the River Tees and Middlesbrough’s role in the Industrial Revolution to visiting Hartlepool Marina Museum, pupils connect national and global history to the stories on their own doorstep. We want our children to leave Green Lane not only knowing key historical events, but also understanding how their community fits into the wider picture.
How We Know Children Are Succeeding
You’ll see your child’s progress in how they can:
• Talk confidently about people and events from the past.
• Use words like chronology, source, and evidence to explain their thinking.
• Compare different time periods and make links between them.
• Ask thoughtful questions and give reasons for their ideas.
Key Documents
Local Places For Families To Explore Together
| Attraction & Website Link | Description |
| Dorman Museum, Middlesbrough | Local history collections and exhibitions. |
| Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, Stewart Park | The story of Middlesbrough’s famous explorer. |
| Preston Park Museum, Stockton | Step back into the past with a recreated Victorian street. |
| Hartlepool Marina Museum | Ships, sea battles, and life in the age of sail. |
| Beamish Museum | An open-air museum that brings different eras to life. |
| Durham Cathedral and Castle | Medieval history on our doorstep. |
Ideas For History At Home
| Website | Description |
| National Curriculum – History | Statutory programmes of study for History. |
| BBC Bitesize – Primary History | Child-friendly history resources and activities. |
| Historic England – Education Resources | Teaching resources and activities linked to local history. |
