History at St Nicholas

History is a valued subject at St Nicholas Primary School. Learning from the past provides scope to celebrate the achievements of the past, as well as the failures, and to explore the relationship between now and then. Our history curriculum aims to challenge pupils to use the core elements of historical enquiry so that they too can gain perspective and an understanding of the past.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

In Early Years, children will develop the fundamental vocabulary for the past and begin to understand the key vocabulary required to discuss the past. Children will be challenged to look beyond living memory and begin to look at the significance of individuals, such as Florence Nightingale to develop an appreciation of their achievements.

Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1, children will be asked to learn about specific people or events that are both within and beyond living history. In Year One, children will study toys to help them begin to make sense of the past through objects that they have a personal connection to and start to explore the enquiry types of continuity and change and similarity and difference through toys and how children have played over time. Children will also study a significant local individual by studying Amy Johnson and her achievements as a female pilot during the 1930’s and 1940’s. In Year 2, children will do a depth study into a significant event from the past: The Great Fire of London, which will enable them to gain a deeper appreciation of the past. Children will also broaden their understanding of significant individuals of historical importance by looking at the achievements of Neil Armstrong and the 1969 moon landing.

Key Stage 2

British History

In Key Stage Two, the focus of the curriculum is for children to develop a coherent chronological understanding of British history. In Year 3, children will study the Stone Age and the achievements of early Neolithic man as they journeyed through the Bronze and Iron Age. Throughout this study, children will explore the significance of Stonehenge and will examine the continuity and change of settlements during this period. In Year 4, children will carry on developing their chronological understanding of Britain by studying the Roman Invasion and Settlement of Britain. Throughout this study, children will begin to evaluate a range of written primary sources as they explore the Roman invasion and the efforts to resist them. Children will have the opportunity to explore the legacy that the Roman’s left behind before looking at the reasons why Roman Britain ended around 410AD. In Year 5, children will build their chronological understanding by exploring the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons, who came to settle in Britain in the 5th century. Children will have the opportunity to assess the push and pull factors that led to their invasion. Children will use a range of primary and second sources to investigate their influence within Britain. In Year 6, children will complete their chronological journey by studying The Vikings. Children will have the opportunity to explore the significance of their arrival at Lindisfarne, as well as British resistance to their settlement in Britain by the Anglo-Saxon king, Alfred.

World History/Post 1066

In Key Stage Two, children will have the opportunity to study other elements of human history that either extend their knowledge of Britain after 1066 or inform them about the achievements of early civilisations.

In Year 3, children will have the opportunity to study the impact of World War Two on Britain, focusing specifically on the Battle of Britain and the aerial dogfights that were an important part of British resistance to Axis forces. They will continue their journey but also looking at the impact of World War Two on Hull by doing a local study. In Year 4, children will follow up their study of Rome by looking at the achievements of Ancient Greece and their impact in shaping culture and politics even to this day. In Year 5, children will look at a non-European civilisation by studying Maya. Through this study, children will examine how other cultures were organised around the same time as Anglo-Saxon Britain. Finally, in Year 6, children will get to explore the achievements of the earliest civilisations before focusing on Ancient Egypt. Throughout this topic, they will have the opportunity to understand how a civilisation was able to thrive in one of the hottest parts of the world.

How can I support my child with History?

Often there will be a history day at school.  These days also provide something to remember and a link with the history being learnt. Teachers also love parents and grandparents who are prepared to come in and help on history days, or who can come and talk to a class if they have a specific knowledge about a period of history — for example, life before the internet (yes, this does now count as history!), the moon landings, or rationing.

Another way to help is to visit museums, historic houses and talk about the topics that they are doing. The children who love history are often the ones who have seen a love of the past in their parents. There are many free museums, especially in the bigger cities. Use them as a resource and spend quality time sharing the past together. Otherwise, watch age-appropriate history programmes on TV.

There are some fantastic children’s books based in the past. Whilst these are often fiction, there will be facts and figures in the books that children will remember. Some good examples include: anything by Caroline Lawrence (the Roman Mysteries), Goodnight Mr Tom (WW2 and evacuation), Stig of the Dump (Clive King) and picture books or non-fiction books that you can share at bedtime.

Finally, if all else fails, embrace the Horrible Histories approach and go for the gross! Knowing about toilet etiquette in Roman times, that the Ancient Greek men did sports naked, or that the Ancient Egyptians used to hook the brains of dead people out through their nose before mummification will be enough to liven up any conversation about history!

Useful websites

The BBC Bitesize website (though no longer being updated) has loads of links to videos, games and information a range of historical periods.

Try Teaching History with 100 objects for some great ideas for using artefacts to teach history.

The 3dHistory website has a vast range of printable activities that the children can complete at home. If your child enjoys making things, then there should be something on there to keep them engaged.