English National Curriculum

KS2: History

National Curriculum of England Hands-On Education Activity
Hi2/1.1 Pre-Roman Britain
Pupils should be taught about changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age
Hi2/1.2 Roman Britain
Pupils should be taught about the Roman empire and its impact on Britain
Hi2/1.3 Anglo-Saxons & Scots
Pupils should be taught about Britain’s settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots
    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
      Hi2/2.1 Local History
      Pupils should be taught about an aspect of local history
        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
        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

              How do Hands-On Education's cross-curricular topics cover National Curriculum objectives?

              At Hands-On Education, we take pride in our approach to primary education. We believe in the power of exploring primary source materials, such as documents, artifacts, and photographs. These invaluable resources serve as the foundation for building engaging and immersive lessons and activities that captivate the minds of our students.

              Our team understands the importance of comparing various aspects of significant historical events, allowing us to break down complex concepts into age-appropriate and understandable lessons. Through this approach, both primary and secondary school children develop a deeper understanding of historical events and gain valuable insights into different perspectives.

              To ensure that our educational materials align with National Curriculum objectives, we have designed our home educator and teacher-friendly topics to seamlessly integrate with the curriculum. In addition to utilizing primary source materials, we provide a range of resources to support learning, including easy-to-understand videos, interactive worksheets, captivating timeline cards, and enriching field trips.

              By incorporating these cross-curricular elements into our lessons, we go beyond the confines of traditional history education. Our topics encompass multiple curriculum areas, enabling students to develop a well-rounded understanding of various subjects while simultaneously fostering their historical skills and knowledge.

              At Hands-On Education, we firmly believe that by intertwining history with other subjects, we create a dynamic learning experience that not only meets but exceeds National Curriculum objectives. With our carefully crafted approach, students embark on an educational journey that not only ignites their curiosity but also equips them with the necessary tools to excel in their academic endeavours.

              How can one find more history topics on Hands-On Education's website?

              To explore a broader range of History topics on Hands-On Education's website, you can navigate to the KS1 topics page and utilize the 'History' filter. This filter will allow you to specifically focus on History-related content, enabling you to discover even more exciting and informative resources.

              Who are some of the significant individuals covered in Hands-On Education's "Influential People Bundle" for KS1?

              In Hands-On Education's "Influential People Bundle" for KS1, students will learn about several significant individuals from various fields. Here is a list of some of these notable figures:

              1. Monarchs:
                - Queen Elizabeth I: A powerful and influential queen who ruled England during the Renaissance period.
                - Queen Victoria: A long-reigning monarch known for her role in shaping the British Empire.
              2. Explorers:
                - Christopher Columbus: An Italian explorer who opened the doors to the New World and the discovery of America.
                - Neil Armstrong: An astronaut who became the first person to set foot on the moon.
              3. Artists:
                - Van Gogh: A Dutch post-impressionist painter known for his unique and expressive style of art.
                - L.S. Lowry: A British artist famous for his industrial landscape paintings depicting the urban working class.
              4. Composers:
                - Andrew Lloyd Webber: A renowned composer and musical theatre impresario, famous for creating musicals like "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Cats."
                - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: A prolific and influential composer from the Classical era known for his symphonies, operas, and chamber music.
              5. Activists:
                - Rosa Parks: An African American civil rights activist whose refusal to give up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
                - Malala Yousafzai: A young Pakistani activist and Nobel Prize laureate who advocates for girls' education.
              6. Inventors:
                - Leonardi Da Vinci: An Italian polymath known for his contributions to various fields, including painting, science, and invention.
                - The Wright Brothers: American aviation pioneers who built and successfully flew the world's first powered airplane.
              7. Ice Explorers:
                - Shackleton: An Irish explorer who led the famous Endurance expedition to Antarctica, demonstrating remarkable leadership skills in overcoming extreme challenges.
                - Norgay: A Sherpa mountaineer who accompanied Sir Edmund Hillary in becoming the first individuals to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
              8. Authors:
                - William Shakespeare: Widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language, Shakespeare's plays and sonnets remain highly celebrated and studied.
                - J.K. Rowling: The author of the beloved Harry Potter series, which has captivated the imaginations of millions of readers worldwide.

              These individuals have left an indelible mark on history, and by studying their achievements and contributions, students can gain valuable insights into the world and inspire their own aspirations.

              How can one filter Hands-On Education's KS1 topics for history?

              "Hands-On Education offers a wide range of engaging and interactive activities designed to help primary school-aged pupils and home-educated children explore the fascinating history of castles. These resources are not only free but also aligned with the history curriculum and national curriculum of England, ensuring that educators can seamlessly incorporate them into their teaching plans. By immersing students in hands-on experiences, Hands-On Education provides an effective way to enhance their understanding of the history curriculum. Moreover, if you are specifically looking to filter Hands-On Education's KS1 topics for history, their platform offers a comprehensive filtering system. This allows you to easily navigate through the various history topics and find specific resources that align with your teaching objectives. So, whether you are a teacher seeking to enrich your history lessons or a homeschooling parent looking to supplement your child's learning, incorporating Hands-On Education's activities and resources into your arsenal can be a fantastic choice."

              Crafting Engaging Lessons on Castles, Knights, and the Medieval World for KS1 History Students

              Creating engaging lessons for Key Stage 1 (KS1) students about the fascinating medieval period involves a blend of imaginative resources and hands-on activities. Here’s how you can bring the age of Castles and Knights alive for your young historians:

              1. Interactive Castle Diagrams: Start with detailed diagrams of castles, labeling the different parts such as turrets, ramparts, and moats. This visual introduction helps students visualize the architectural complexities of medieval fortifications.
              2. Vocabulary Building Activities: Introduce students to the specific terminology of the era. Use vocabulary packs that highlight key medieval terms, creating a fun and educational way to expand their historical lexicon.
              3. Creative Arts and Crafts: Incorporate arts into your history lessons by allowing students to design their own medieval flags. Provide templates and materials for flag-making, and extend this by including knight-themed crafts. Such activities not only make the learning process enjoyable but also help in reinforcing their understanding of the topic.
              4. Storytelling Sessions: Utilize the rich tales of medieval knights and legends, like those of King Arthur, to capture the students' imagination. Storytelling is a powerful tool that can enhance engagement and make the historical characters come to life.
              5. Integrated Curriculum Approach: Extend the learning beyond history. Incorporate elements of the English language by having students write short stories or descriptions of what life might have been like in medieval times. Include art projects that involve drawing scenes from medieval life, or drama activities where students can act out famous battles or daily life scenarios.

              Conclusion: By employing a mix of educational resources, interactive activities, and creative expression, lessons on Castles, Knights, and the Medieval world can become a highlight in the curriculum for KS1 students. It not only educates but also entertains, ensuring a deeper understanding and appreciation of this historical period. Engage your students with these dynamic and comprehensive approaches to learn about the fascinating medieval era.

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