History Curriculum Plan
This page gives an overview of the history curriculum from Nursery to Year 6. Use the links below to jump to each year group.
Nursery and Reception | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6
Nursery and Reception
Throughout the EYFS, children have many opportunities to develop their history skills. The curriculum is built around Development Matters Understanding the World, with key learning linked to historical development.
- Communication: talking about key events in their own lives, families, friends and significant people. YouTube | BBC Bitesize
- Observation: showing interest in significant events and experiences in the lives of others. YouTube | BBC Bitesize
- Describing: describing features of objects, people and places at different times. YouTube | BBC Bitesize
- Research: finding out about people, places, events and objects using different sources. YouTube | BBC Bitesize
- Chronology: ordering simple experiences, stories and events. YouTube | BBC Bitesize
- Vocabulary: using language of time when talking about past and present events. YouTube | BBC Bitesize
Year 1
Autumn: How were our grandparents’ toys different to ours?
Children explore changes within living memory by comparing toys from the past with toys today.
YouTube search | BBC Bitesize search
Spring: Who was Florence Nightingale and why do we speak about her today?
Children learn about Florence Nightingale as a significant person from the past and consider why she is still remembered today.
YouTube search | BBC Bitesize search
Summer: Who were the Victorians?
Children are introduced to the Victorian period and begin to understand how life was different in the past.
Year 2
Autumn: The Great Fire of London
Children study the Great Fire of London and learn how historians use evidence to understand major events from the past.
YouTube search | BBC Bitesize search
Spring: History of Space Travel
Children explore the history of space travel and learn about key events and people connected to space exploration.
YouTube search | BBC Bitesize search
Summer: Who are the famous people that have made an impact on the world?
Children learn about significant individuals and consider how their actions have changed the world.
Year 3
Autumn: Burscough, a local history study
Children study the history of Burscough, helping them understand how their local area has changed over time.
YouTube search | BBC Bitesize search
Spring: Who first lived in Britain? The Stone Age
Children learn about Stone Age Britain and explore how early people lived, worked and survived.
YouTube search | BBC Bitesize search
Summer: Ancient Greeks
Children study Ancient Greek civilisation and consider its influence on the modern world.
Year 4
Autumn: Ancient Egypt
Children study Ancient Egypt, including aspects of daily life, beliefs, rulers and historical evidence.
YouTube search | BBC Bitesize search
Spring: Historical Enquiry Study
Children develop their historical enquiry skills by asking questions, using evidence and thinking carefully about how we know about the past.
YouTube search | BBC Bitesize search
Summer: Who were the Romans and why were they so powerful?
Children learn about the Roman Empire and explore why the Romans became such a powerful civilisation.
Year 5
Autumn: Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Scots
Children study the Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Scots, exploring settlement, invasion and life in Britain after the Roman period.
YouTube search | BBC Bitesize search
Spring: How has crime and punishment changed through the ages?
Children explore changes in crime and punishment over time, comparing different historical periods and attitudes.
YouTube search | BBC Bitesize search
Summer: World War II
Children learn about World War II, including key events and the impact of the war on people’s lives.
Year 6
Autumn: Aspects of Liverpool since 1066
Children study aspects of Liverpool’s history since 1066, helping them understand how a major city has changed over time.
YouTube search | BBC Bitesize search
Spring: When was the Golden Age of Islamic History?
Children learn about the Golden Age of Islamic History and consider its achievements and influence.
