During Key Stage 1 pupils will develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time. They learn where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework and identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods. 

Pupils explore:

• Changes within living memory, such as Transport and Florence Nightingale, to show how technology and travel have evolved. 

• Events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally (e.g. The Great Fire of London, Guy Fawkes). 

• Lives of significant individuals, including comparisons across periods ( e.g. Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria). 

• Significant historical events, people and places in the local area, including focus weeks on Black History and Women’s History. 

In Year 1, pupils begin to develop an awareness of the past through the study of significant events and individuals, including Gunpowder Plot, British monarchs and the development of transport over time. Pupils learn about key figures such as Guy Fawkes and explore changes within living memory, developing their understanding of chronology, sequencing events and identifying similarities and differences between past and present. 

In Year 2, pupils build on their understanding of significant individuals and events through topics such as Intrepid Explorers, the Great Fire of London and the lives of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole. Pupils develop their ability to ask and answer questions about the past, using simple sources to understand why events happened and why individuals are remembered, while continuing to build their chronological awareness.