History
Intent
Our intent in KS2 History is to ensure all pupils develop a secure, coherent understanding of British, local and world history, building clear narratives across time and recognising how different civilisations, cultures and periods connect. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils learn to place events, societies and developments in chronological order, understanding how history fits together from the Stone Age through to the Industrial Revolution and World War II.
Pupils study a broad range of historical periods, including early civilisations such as Ancient Egypt, classical civilisations such as Ancient Greece, and contrasting non‑European societies such as the Maya. They explore major turning points in British history, including the Roman Empire, Anglo‑Saxon Britain, the Viking and Anglo‑Saxon struggle for England, the Tudors, the Industrial Revolution and the impact of World War II. By Year 6, pupils also investigate their own local history, understanding how national and global events have shaped the place they live.
Across KS2, pupils develop disciplinary knowledge by learning how historians work. They ask historically valid questions about change, cause, similarity, difference and significance. They use and interpret a range of sources, understanding how evidence is constructed, preserved and sometimes contested. They learn to select, organise and present historical information clearly, developing the language and vocabulary needed to discuss the past with accuracy and confidence.
Our intent is that all pupils leave KS2 with a strong sense of chronology, an understanding of how different periods relate to one another, and the ability to think critically about the past. They will be able to make connections across civilisations, recognise patterns and trends over time, and understand how history influences the world they live in today.
Implementation
History in KS2 is taught through a structured progression of knowledge that builds year on year. Each unit is carefully mapped to the National Curriculum and sequenced to ensure pupils revisit key concepts such as settlement, civilisation, monarchy, invasion, empire, belief systems, technological change and social structure.
In Year 3, pupils begin with deep time, exploring the Stone Age through to the Iron Age, before studying Ancient Egypt as an early civilisation. They learn how historians use artefacts, archaeological evidence and primary sources to understand prehistoric life and Egyptian society. They begin to develop secure chronological understanding and use historical terms with increasing accuracy.
In Year 4, pupils study the legacy of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire in Britain and Anglo‑Saxon Britain. They compare ancient and modern democracy, explore the impact of Roman expansion, and analyse how Anglo‑Saxons settled and lived. They learn to interpret evidence, ask questions about change and continuity, and understand how narratives of the past are constructed.
In Year 5, pupils deepen their understanding of world history through the Vikings and the Ancient Maya civilisation. They explore contrasting societies, belief systems, technological developments and cultural achievements. They also study the Tudors, examining monarchy, religion, social hierarchy and significant national change. Pupils learn to evaluate historical arguments, compare interpretations and consider significance.
In Year 6, pupils study major turning points beyond 1066, including the Industrial Revolution and the impact of World War II on Britain. They analyse cause and consequence, explore social change, and evaluate how technological and political developments shaped modern life. They also complete a local history study, using primary and secondary sources to investigate settlement, landmarks, community change and local significance.
Across all year groups, pupils develop disciplinary skills through regular opportunities to question evidence, compare periods, identify trends, and construct informed responses. Lessons include timelines, artefact analysis, source interpretation, structured discussion, and opportunities to present historical understanding in different formats. Vocabulary is explicitly taught through rocket words, ensuring pupils gain the language needed to discuss historical concepts confidently.
By the end of KS2, pupils can explain how different periods connect, how evidence shapes our understanding of the past, and how historical events and developments influence life today. They are prepared for the analytical, interpretive and evaluative demands of KS3 history.