KS2 History

Hi2/1.1    Pre-Roman Britain

Pupils should be taught about changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age

This could include:

1. late Neolithic hunter-gatherers and early farmers, for example, Skara Brae 

2. Bronze Age religion, technology and travel, for example, Stonehenge

3. Iron Age hill forts: tribal kingdoms, farming, art and culture

Hi2/1.2    Roman Britain

Pupils should be taught about the Roman empire and its impact on Britain

This could include:

1. Julius Caesar’s attempted invasion in 55-54 BC

2. the Roman Empire by AD 42 and the power of its army

3. successful invasion by Claudius and conquest, including Hadrian’s Wall

4. British resistance, for example, Boudica

5. "Romanisation" of Britain: sites such as Caerwent and the impact of technology, culture and beliefs, including early Christianity

Hi2/1.3    Anglo-Saxons & Scots

Pupils should be taught about Britain’s settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots

This could include:

1. Roman withdrawal from Britain in c. AD 410 and the fall of the western Roman Empire

2. Scots invasions from Ireland to north Britain (now Scotland)

3. Anglo-Saxon invasions, settlements and kingdoms: place names and village life

4. Anglo-Saxon art and culture

5. Christian conversion – Canterbury, Iona and Lindisfarne

Hi2/1.4    Anglo-Saxons & Vikings

Pupils should be taught about the Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor

This could include:

1. Viking raids and invasion

2. resistance by Alfred the Great and Athelstan, first king of England

3. further Viking invasions and Danegeld

4. Anglo-Saxon laws and justice

5. Edward the Confessor and his death in 1066

Hi2/2.1    Local History

Pupils should be taught about an aspect of local history

For example:

1. a depth study linked to one of the British areas of study listed above

2. a study over time tracing how several aspects of national history are reflected in the locality (this can go beyond 1066)

3. a study of an aspect of history or a site dating from a period beyond 1066 that is significant in the locality.

Hi2/2.2    Extended chronological study

Pupils should be taught a study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066

For example: 

1. the changing power of monarchs using case studies such as John, Anne and Victoria

2. changes in an aspect of social history, such as crime and punishment from the Anglo-Saxons to the present or leisure and entertainment in the 20th Century

3. the legacy of Greek or Roman culture (art, architecture or literature) on later periods in British history, including the present day

4. a significant turning point in British history, for example, the first railways or the Battle of Britain

Hi2/2.3    Ancient Civilizations

Pupils should be taught about the achievements of the earliest civilizations – an overview of where and when the first civilizations appeared and a depth study of one of the following:

• 1. Ancient Sumer;

  2. The Indus Valley;

  3. Ancient Egypt; or

  4. The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China

Hi2/2.4    Ancient Greece

Pupils should be taught a study of Greek life and achievements and their influence on the western world

Hi2/2.5    Non-European Study

Pupils should be taught about a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history - one study chosen from: 

• 1. early Islamic civilization, including a study of Baghdad c. AD 900;

  2. Mayan civilization c. AD 900; or

  3. Benin (West Africa) c. AD 900-1300