History

History helps us understand who we are, where we have come from and how the world around us has changed over time.

At our school, we want children to develop a love and curiosity for the past. Through exciting topics, stories, artefacts, photographs, historical sources and local history, pupils explore the lives of people from different times and places.

We encourage our children to think like historians by asking questions, investigating evidence, comparing different periods and considering how and why things have changed. They learn to place events in chronological order and make connections between the past and the world we live in today.

From ancient civilisations and significant historical figures to local history and important events, our history curriculum gives children opportunities to discover the rich and diverse experiences of people throughout time.

Most importantly, we want every child to leave primary school with a sense of wonder about the past, confidence to ask questions and an enthusiasm to discover more.

Black History Month

Every October, we celebrate Black History Month, a time to learn about and celebrate the history, achievements, cultures and contributions of Black people in Britain and around the world.

At our school, Black History Month provides an opportunity for children to discover inspiring people, explore important events and learn about different cultures and experiences. Through stories, discussions, art, music and history, pupils are encouraged to ask questions, think critically and appreciate the diverse communities that make up our world.

We believe that Black history is an important part of everyone’s history. While we place a special focus on Black history during October, we continue to celebrate and explore diverse voices, experiences and achievements throughout the year here at St. Anne's.

Black History Month helps our children to develop respect, understanding, curiosity and pride in the rich diversity of our school and wider community.

What is Taught in Each Year Group?

EYFS

What is History?

In EYFS, children begin to discover that history is about things that happened in the past. Through stories, photographs, objects and conversations, children explore their own lives and families and begin to notice how things have changed over time. They might talk about when they were babies, look at old family photographs or explore toys and objects from the past. We encourage children to ask questions, share their experiences and develop an understanding of past, present and future. History in EYFS helps children become curious about the world around them and begin to understand how the past has shaped the world we live in today.

Year 1

Toys, Flight and Rosa Parks.

In Autumn, children explore how toys have changed over time. They investigate toys from the past and compare them with the toys children play with today. Through photographs, artefacts and hands-on activities, pupils learn to spot similarities and differences, think about the materials toys were made from, and discover how toys have changed as technology has developed. Our children enjoy becoming toy detectives, asking questions and using clues to find out what toys were like in the past.

As part of our Black History learning, pupils learn about Rosa Parks, an important figure in American history. Rosa Parks stood up for what she believed was right when, in 1955, she refused to give up her seat on a bus because of unfair racial laws. Her brave decision helped inspire people to work together for fairness and equality. Through stories and activities, our children learn about Rosa Parks’ courage and the importance of treating everyone with kindness, fairness and respect.

In summer, children explore the fascinating history of flight and discover how aircraft have changed over time. They learn about important aviators, including Amelia Earhart, The Wright Brothers and A.V. Roe (local Ancoats pilot), and explore their achievements and contributions to aviation. Through stories, photographs and historical sources, pupils investigate how people first learned to fly, how aeroplanes have developed and what life was like for early pilots. Our children enjoy asking questions, making comparisons and discovering how the dream of flying has changed the way people travel and explore the world.

Year 2

Mary Seacole, Great Fire of London, Moon Landing.

In Autumn, children learn about Mary Seacole, a courageous and caring woman who helped wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Mary travelled a long way to help others and used her skills as a nurse and healer to care for injured and sick soldiers. She showed great determination, kindness and bravery throughout her life. Through stories and activities, our children learn about Mary Seacole’s achievements and explore how her actions helped others. They are encouraged to think about the importance of caring for people, showing courage and never giving up.

In our spring term, children learn about the Great Fire of London, which began in a bakery on Pudding Lane in 1666. The fire spread quickly through London, destroying thousands of homes and buildings. Through stories, pictures and historical sources, children investigate what happened, why the fire spread so quickly and how people worked together to stop it. Our pupils explore what life was like in London over 350 years ago and discover how the Great Fire changed the city. They develop their understanding of the past by comparing London then and London today.

In the summer, children explore the exciting story of the first Moon landing in 1969. They learn about the astronauts who travelled into space and discovered what it was like to walk on the Moon. Children also learn about Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician whose calculations helped NASA plan safe journeys into space. Her work played an important part in the success of the early space missions. Through stories, photographs and activities, our pupils discover how people used science, mathematics and teamwork to achieve something that had once seemed impossible. They are encouraged to ask questions, dream big and explore the world beyond our planet.

Year 3

Stone Age, Early Islamic Civilization, Ancient Egyptians.

In Year 3, children travel back in time to discover what life was like during the Stone Age. They explore how early humans lived, hunted, gathered food and made tools to survive. Children investigate the difference between the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, discovering how people gradually changed from nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled farming communities. Our children discover how these early communities adapted to their environment and laid some of the foundations for the world we know today.

In spring, children explore the fascinating history of Early Islamic Civilisation and discover what life was like during the Golden Age of Islam. They discover important developments in mathematics, medicine, astronomy, science and literature, and explore how ideas and knowledge travelled between different parts of the world. Our pupils are encouraged to ask questions, make connections and appreciate how knowledge, ideas and discoveries can be shared across cultures and generations.

In the summer term, children travel back thousands of years to discover the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt. They explore what life was like along the River Nile and learn about the people, culture and beliefs of this remarkable civilisation. Pupils investigate pharaohs, pyramids, mummification, hieroglyphics and everyday life, using artefacts, photographs and historical sources to uncover clues about the past. Through exciting activities and investigations, children develop their skills as historians by asking questions, making deductions and comparing life in Ancient Egypt with life today. They discover how the Ancient Egyptians used their knowledge and creativity to build, create and solve problems that continue to fascinate us today.

Year 4

Industrial Revolution, Romans and Crime and Punishment.

In Year 4, children explore the Industrial Revolution, a period of huge change that transformed Britain from a mainly rural society into an industrial nation. Pupils discover how new machines, factories, canals and railways changed the way people worked, travelled and lived. They investigate the growth of towns and cities and learn about the experiences of adults and children who worked in factories and mines. They develop their understanding of cause and consequence and consider how the Industrial Revolution continues to influence our lives today.

In spring, children explore the fascinating world of the Romans and discover how the Roman Empire grew and influenced Britain. They learn about the Roman invasion of Britain, the Roman army and how the Romans changed the way people lived. Pupils investigate Roman roads, towns, buildings, technology and daily life, as well as the resistance they faced from people living in Britain, including Boudica. Children develop their skills as historians by asking questions, making deductions and considering what the Romans changed and what they left behind. Our pupils discover how Roman ideas and achievements can still be seen in Britain today.

In the summer term, children explore how crime and punishment have changed over time. They investigate how different societies, from the Romans and Anglo-Saxons to the Victorians and the modern day, have created laws and punishments. Pupils discover how attitudes towards crime have changed and explore the reasons behind different punishments, including fines, imprisonment and transportation. They examine historical sources to find out what life was like for people who broke the law. Through discussion and investigation, children develop their understanding of change and continuity and consider how and why our justice system has developed over time.

Year 5

Anglo Saxons, WW2, Ancient Greece.

In Year 5, children explore the fascinating history of the Anglo-Saxons and discover how they shaped life in Britain after the Romans left. Pupils investigate where the Anglo-Saxons came from, why they settled in Britain and how they established different kingdoms and communities. They explore Anglo-Saxon homes, villages, farming, beliefs and everyday life. Through investigation and historical enquiry, pupils develop their ability to analyse evidence, consider different perspectives and understand how Anglo-Saxon society changed over time.

In spring, children explore the history of World War II, one of the most significant events of the 20th century. They discover the causes of the war, key events and the impact it had on Britain and people around the world. Pupils investigate what life was like on the home front, learning about rationing, air raids, evacuation and the experiences of children during wartime. They also explore the role of important individuals and the contributions of different communities to the war effort. Children learn about Princess Noor Inayat Khan, a remarkable woman who became a secret agent during the Second World War. Noor worked as a radio operator for the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and was sent to occupied France to help the French Resistance communicate with Britain. Despite the enormous risks she faced, Noor continued her work with courage and determination.

In summer, children travel back in time to explore the fascinating world of Ancient Greece. They discover how the ancient Greeks lived, what they believed and how their ideas continue to influence our lives today. Pupils investigate Greek gods and myths, democracy, the Olympic Games, architecture, art and everyday life. They explore the differences between powerful city-states such as Athens and Sparta and consider how geography influenced the development of Greek communities.

Year 6

Windrush, Suffragettes, Tudors.

In Year 6, children explore the story of the Windrush generation and the arrival of Caribbean people in Britain after the Second World War. They discover why people travelled to Britain, the contributions they made and the experiences they encountered as they built new lives and communities. Pupils learn about the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in 1948 and explore the diverse cultures, traditions, music and stories brought to Britain by Caribbean communities. They also consider the challenges and discrimination some people faced and how individuals and communities responded. Through photographs, oral histories, letters and other historical sources, children develop their ability to interpret evidence, understand different perspectives and explore how migration has shaped modern Britain.

In spring, children explore the history of the Suffragettes and the campaign for women’s right to vote in Britain. They discover why many women believed the political system was unfair and learn about the different ways people campaigned for change. Pupils investigate the actions of important figures such as Emmeline Pankhurst and explore the experiences of women who joined the movement. They examine posters, photographs, newspaper reports and other historical sources to understand the methods used by campaigners. Through discussion and historical enquiry, children consider equality, fairness and social change, while developing their ability to evaluate evidence, understand different perspectives and explain how and why society changed over time.

In the summer term, children travel back to Tudor England to explore one of the most fascinating periods in British history. They investigate the lives of Tudor monarchs, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, and discover how their decisions shaped the country. Pupils explore Tudor homes, food, clothing, religion and daily life, comparing the experiences of rich and poor. They investigate the English Reformation, the dissolution of the monasteries and key events such as the Spanish Armada. Through historical sources, portraits, artefacts and written accounts, children develop their ability to analyse evidence, consider different perspectives and understand cause and consequence. They discover how the Tudor period helped shape the Britain we know today.