History
History plays a vital role in our broad and balanced curriculum at Penruddock. It helps our children make sense of the world around them, understand how the past has shaped their lives, and develop a sense of identity and belonging within their community. Through history, we nurture curiosity, inspire questioning, and encourage children to think critically about how people and places have changed over time. We want every child to enjoy discovering the past, to develop a secure understanding of key events and people, and to appreciate the story of our local area as part of the wider world.
From the early years onwards, children learn about change within living memory, significant individuals, and important local and national events. As they move through school, they explore a broad range of historical periods and ancient civilisations, building a chronological framework that helps them see connections across time and place. Themes such as settlement, trade, exploration, empire, and society are revisited throughout the curriculum, allowing children to make meaningful comparisons and to see how patterns of human life have evolved.
Learning is brought to life through stories, artefacts, visits, and hands-on enquiry. Children handle evidence, investigate sources, and explore how historians form their ideas about the past. Our local area provides a rich resource for learning: we study how farming and land use have shaped our community, explore links to the Romans and the border history of nearby Carlisle, and consider how people lived and worked in villages like Penruddock through the centuries. Visits to places such as Greystoke Castle or Hutton-in-the-Forest, and outdoor learning in our surrounding landscape, help children see how local and national histories intertwine.
Through their historical studies, our pupils develop an appreciation of diversity, continuity, and change. They learn to weigh evidence, consider different perspectives, and understand the causes and consequences of human decisions. Most importantly, they begin to see themselves as part of an ongoing story — one that connects the past, present, and future. The impact of our history curriculum is evident in the children’s enthusiasm for learning, their growing curiosity about the past, and their ability to reflect thoughtfully on how history shapes who we are today.
Skill Progression
History Subject Gallery
Blencathra Paleontologists!
Blencathra Class received a parcel from our friend Max, T-Rex's friend. He sent us a present because we wrote him some great letters. Inside the parcel were some dinosaur eggs and some tools to work on the eggs. We also had some trays with dinosaur bones which we had to explore. Several children brought in fossils they have discovered around the local area but the most exciting artefact was a real dinosaur tooth from an allosaurus dug up in Central Utah, USA by Ada's Great-Great Grandfather. Ada told us how he was a real life archaeologist and her Mummy said that he has artefacts in the British Museum in London. How amazing is that!
Local History - Blencathra meets Beatrix Potter!
The Maya Civilization : Class 3
Hevellyn had a wonderful time today consolidating all their learning about the Romans at Vindolanda Roman Fort and Roman Army Museum. We were able to see Hadrian's Wall and understand the importance of Forts along the wall to strengthening their defences. We enjoyed learning all about how the artefacts and evidence found at Vindolanda has taught us so much about how the Roman's lived and their impact upon other societies living in Britain at the time. Check out the only Roman helmet comb ever found in Europe.
Penruddock School travelled back in time on Monday 6th November. We had a visit from Poppy, who showed us lots of fascinating artefacts from World War I. She told us all all about her brother Wilfred who went away to fight in the war and sadly, didn't come back home.
Poppy was amazing and had lots of things to share with us. We were very respectful with the wonderful treasures that Poppy brought with her.
We learnt about the importance of Remembrance Day and why we wear our poppies.
We will remember them.
Poppy's visit to Penruddock!
Blencathra Class embraced all things coronation during the month of May. We were able to talk about things which happen in our lifetime in History. We learnt all about what a coronation is, what happens during the coronation, along with lots of history linked to our Royal Family. We had an amazing time.
Coronation - history in the making!
Class 3 enjoyed exploring a range of historical periods during their residential in York. A highlight was revisiting our knowledge of World War II in our trip to Eden Camp.
Eden Camp
Tudor Houses and the Great Fire of London!
The children have had great fun learning all about traditional Tudor houses; what they looked like and how they were built, in the time of The Great Fire of London. They learnt about how the fire started and how it rapidly spread. They first designed their own Tudor house before creating it as a junk model. We then went out onto the school field and made our very own Pudding Lane with our own 'Great Fire of Penruddock'!! It was all very exciting!
Children in Helvellyn have been linking their learning about people from the Stone Age to those in the Bronze and Iron Age. We have found out about the Amsbury Archer and all her has told us about peoples wealth, travel and capabilities during our ancient history. Stonehenge links all these different historical periods together. Why was it built and what does it tell us? We certainly found out today how clever they must have been!
Making Stonehenge from Biscuits!
Class 2 had a super day with the Penrith and Eden Museum. We took part in a virtual session with them. We spoke to the museum on a video call to find out more about Anglo Saxons. They also lent us some artefacts to help us to learn more about our topic. We did lots of fun activities, such as studying runes, looking at jewellery and battle gear, weaving and making pots.
Skiddaw turn into marauding Vikings!
