Keystage history

Outstanding Lessons: Key Stage 1

If you have ever searched the internet for inspiration for your history sessions you will know how frustrating it can…

Using artefacts to help children’s historical understanding at Key Stage 1

Since the early 90s, artefacts have become increasingly available either to purchase or to loan. Many firms offer useful replicas…

Dealing with misconceptions – An example from Y3 ancient civilizations

If you are wrestling with the best way to cover all ancient civilizations, rather than just looking at Ancient Egypt,…

What your EYFS history teaching should be focussing on

When deciding how EYFS might contribute to pupils’ understanding of the past, it is important that we don’t overcomplicate matters…

On the move – assessment task

Pupils sequence 3 images of transport over the last 60 years Subscribers only: You must be logged in to view this…

On the move – EYFS – KQ1 – What different types of bicycle do we all ride nowadays?

Collection of wheeled vehicles, trikes, scooters etc. What do they have in common? And what is different? Develop vocabulary needed…

On the move – EYFS – KQ2 – What did we use to move around when we were younger?

Discuss and decide which ages of people would ride in or ride on each bicycle. What features do all the…

On the move – EYFS – KQ3 – How are the bikes of others in the family different to ours?

Pupils are shown images of older children and adult bikes which they have to match to individual who would ride…

On the move – EYFS – KQ4 – How different were bikes when your grandparents were your age?

Pupils can sort 6 images into ‘then and now’ and identify 3 ways in which they knew that three were…

On the move – EYFS – KQ5 – How else do we move around today?

How else do we move around today? Children are able to list at least 4 different types of most popular…

On the move – KS1 – KQ6 – How has transport changed since your grandparents were your age?

Some children extend their understanding of change by sequencing three images. Children increase their vocabulary by including phrases such as…

Introducing the Primary History Curriculum Health Check

As we know schools are under more pressure than ever to demonstrate the effectiveness of their history curriculum, not just…

Refining your use of AI in primary history. A second look

In our first detailed article on AI and history in primary history we explored the best ways of using AI…

Teaching the Vikings: seeing the wood for the trees

Whenever you teach a topic as exciting and colourful as the Vikings there is a strong temptation to focus on…

Using history to help create a more cohesive society

In March 2026 the British government published its policy paper on community cohesion: Protecting What Matters: Towards a more confident, cohesive…

Leaving Y6 with a Big Picture of history in mind

I often wonder what sort of lasting experience of history pupils leaving school in Y6 take with them. Will it…

Teaching historical concepts at KS2 : from lists and definitions to meaningful encounters

Many of you have been asked to include in your long term planning evidence of coverage of specific historical concepts,…

Ipswich – significant people and events

Ipswich is one of England’s oldest continuously inhabited towns, with a history shaped by trade, craftsmanship, and maritime connections. Settlement…

Swansea – significant people and events

As a coastal city Swansea’s history has been shaped by trade, industry, and its role as a gateway between Wales…

Stoke on Trent – significant people and events

Stoke-on-Trent’s history is closely linked to pottery, industry, and the development of modern manufacturing. The city was formed from six…

4 key things you need to know about the likely shape of the new history curriculum for first teaching in 2028

1.There seems to be a commitment from the DfE to ensure that the revised National Curriculum is not significantly different…

Our Top 10 resource suggestions for your local history topic at KS1 and 2

By way of celebrating local history month in May we are offering you top 10 resources you can’t afford to…

Cambridge – significant people and events

Cambridge is obviously best known for its role in education, learning, and intellectual life. Although settlement in the area dates…

Much more than meat munchers and berry chewers

Why the Bronze Age diet was more varied and sophisticated than we first thought A new study from the University…

Bath – significant people and events

Bath’s identity has been shaped by hot springs, architecture, and centuries of visitors. Its story begins in the Roman period,…

Preston – significant people and events

Preston’s development reflects the wider story of England’s industrial growth. Although settlement in the area dates back to Roman times,…

Truro – significant people and events

Truro’s history has been shaped by trade, religion, and regional identity. Although Cornwall has ancient origins, Truro developed most strongly…

Plymouth – significant people and events

Plymouth is a historic port city in Devon with a strong connection to exploration, naval power, and migration. Its natural…

Gloucester – significant people and events

Gloucester is one of England’s oldest cities, with a history shaped by Roman settlement, religious importance, and strategic location. Founded…

How do I know I am teaching history in the right way? A few pointers for non-specialists

When your colleagues, who have to master 11 subjects after all , feel that they need a few pointers to…

Chester – significant people and events

Chester is one of England’s best-preserved historic cities, with a past that stretches back almost 2,000 years so makes a…

Leeds – significant people and events

Leeds’ history has been shaped by trade, industry, and urban growth so makes a brilliant study linked to the Victorian…

New history curriculum for 2028

As you know there was a curriculum and assessment review in November and the government accepted its recommendations relating to…

2026 – important anniversaries

January Year Event 27 1926 Inventor John Logie Baird demonstrates his new television machine to members of the Royal Institution…

Leicester – significant people and events (Case study)

Above all, studying Leicester provides brilliant opportunities to look at diversity. Ethnic groups make up the majority of the population…

York – significant people and events

York is one of the oldest and most historically important cities in the United Kingdom. Its history stretches back nearly…

Any changes for your history teaching in 2026? I’ve got one

As you will know from the headlines of the government’s recent curriculum review among the changes being recommended concerns local…

Top 10 activities for local history

Whilst the activities you choose to use in your local history study will very much depend on the nature of…

Teaching Local History at Key Stage 2

So, where do we start if we haven’t a clue about Local History? Unlike all other areas of study Local…

8 tough choices for KS1 history subject leaders. Reinforcement or needless repetition?

Plotting your choice, and sequence, of topics at KS1 is much more difficult than many people imagine. And you can’t…

Exeter – significant people and events

Exeter is one of the oldest cities in England, with a history shaped by Roman rule, religion, trade, and regional…

How well do your pupils understand the concept of historical interpretations? A quick diagnostic quiz

Teaching about interpretations in history is one of the hardest challenges KS2 teachers will face. When pupils are searching for…

Sunderland – significant people and events

Sunderland is a city on the north-east coast of England whose history has been shaped by the sea, industry, and…

Portsmouth – significant people and events

Portsmouth is a historic port city on the south coast of England whose identity has long been shaped by the…

How to improve your pupils’ writing in history at KS2

‘Low floor-high ceiling’: From short jogs to full marathon Without wanting to do anything that runs counter to your school’s…

Bournemouth – significant people and events

Bournemouth is an influential coastal town known for its strategic location, natural environment, and contribution to learning and innovation. Established…

Edinburgh – significant people and events

Edinburgh is an influential city because it has long been a place where ideas grow and important decisions are made….

Brighton – significant people and events

Brighton is an influential seaside city known for its creativity, diversity and bold ideas. It grew as a popular resort…

London – significant people and events

London is an influential city because it has been a centre of power, ideas and culture for hundreds of years….

Cardiff – significant people and events

Cardiff is an influential capital city where ideas, leadership and culture meet. It grew from a small town into a…

Belfast – significant people and events

Belfast is an influential city because it is a place of building, learning and big change. It grew quickly as…

Sheffield – significant people and events

Sheffield is a city of makers, famous for “steel and skill.” For a long time, hot furnaces and busy workshops…

Keystage history

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