Key Stage 2 History

In Key Stage 2 History, as well as local history, your child will learn about three British history studies, a European history study and a world history study. The focus on local history may look at how an aspect in the local area has changed over a long period of time, or how a significant event or individual affected the locality.

In their study of British history pupils are taught about the Romans, Anglo Saxons and Vikings; Britain in Tudor times; and either Victorian Britain or Britain since 1930. They will also learn about aspects of the histories of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, where appropriate, and about the history of Britain in its European and wider world context. They look at history in a variety of ways, for example from political and scientific perspectives, and they use different sources of information to help them investigate the past. Your child will be introduced to historical vocabulary so that he or she can describe events, people and developments.

Some lesson examples

A Year 3 class study a timeline that highlights the main events and inventions of Victorian times. They learn about methods of mass industrial production and the significance of rail travel, and hear stories about those who visited the Great Exhibition of the period.

Year 4 pupils explore working conditions in Victorian times. They visit a row of Victorian houses to gather information about the various street traders who once lived there. They also study a survey on living conditions carried out in London during the late Victorian period.

After listening to a tape on the war with Troy, Year 5 pupils consider what makes a hero. Each pupil has to define their idea and suggest two people, past and present, who they feel are heroes. Natalia chooses Elizabeth I as her hero from the past and Nelson Mandela as her present day hero.

A Year 6 class carry out a re-enactment of an air raid in the classroom. They black out the windows and an air raid siren is played as they take cover beneath tables. They later discuss what it felt like being cramped under a table not knowing what was going to happen next. A member of the local community visits the class to share his wartime experiences of evacuation.