History

Historians recognise that, over time, some things stay the same while others change. Examples of continuity and change can be seen across every civilisation during any period of time. 

Evidence is an important part of historical inquiry and refers to the information that is collected from various sources. It can come in many different forms; any object from history can be classed as evidence which is used to hypothesise and allow us to form questions about the past. Evidence is either primary or secondary.

Similarity and difference is based upon an understanding of the complexity of peoples' lives, perspectives and relationships. Asking how similar or different things are allows pupils to draw comparisons and consider how the past has shaped modern, global society. 

The chronology of a series of events is the order in which these events happen. Chronology is a challenging concept, especially for younger children but having an understanding of this from an early age helps build a sense of identity and an understanding of the present. 

Democracy is a system of government in which laws, policies, leadership and major undertakings of a state are directly or indirectly decided upon 'by the people'. This is normally done by voting but there are rules around who can vote.

Significance can be defined as anything that has a bearing on a situation: this could be a person/people or an event. The importance of the person or event defines and influences the way that the past is remembered.

We can explain reasoning as a way to make sense of things where facts are established and verified using logic and justification, based upon new information. Historical reasoning is an action where a person organises materials about the past so that they can describe, compare and explain people, places or events.

Conflict is the process of actual or perceived opposition between two or more parties. We can distinguish between violent and non-violent conflict. Disagreements and conflict can occur in our everyday lives and the children will learn about the impact that conflict brings locally, nationally and globally. 

Historical interpretation is the way people in later times explain people, places and events in history. When our pupils use the concept of interpretation, they are thinking and evaluating historical information they have been presented with.

Perspectives form an important part of historical inquiry. Perspectives can be explained as a point of view - a personal explanation of what people believe is going on around them. Perspectives can be shaped on peoples' ages, gender, beliefs and values and can change with the introduction of new evidence and learning. 

Duration can be described as the time during which something exists or lasts. Therefore in historical terms is refers to a period of time in history. 

Examining the concept of culture will open up inquiries into how people deal with the past. It involves attitudes, beliefs, values and views of a group of people in history. It will allow historians the opportunity to reflect and examine how communities have been influenced by people or events the past. 

Invaders are an army or country that uses force to enter and take control of another country. Settlers are a person or group of people who arrive, especially from another country, in a new place in order to live there and use the land.

Cause and effect can be defined as the process historians use to identify a chain of events. It is used to examine and analyse why events have happened and the consequences of them. Usually, there are many reasons for an event happening and there can also be many outcomes. 

Empathy as a concept helps us to make sense of the influence past events had on people. It also comprises an awareness of the conditions that people faced. We think of it as the 'ability to walk in someone else's shoes'. 

The concept of contestibility refers to accounts of historical events or people that are debatable. Children will consider multiple points when considering the outcome.