History at Bedford Drive Primary School

The school follow the National Curriculum for History as defined by the Department for Education. The National Curriculum for History aims to ensure that all pupils:

• know and understand the history of these islands as a coherent, chronological narrative, from the earliest times to the present day: how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world

• know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world: the nature of ancient civilisations; the expansion and dissolution of empires; characteristic features of past non-European societies; achievements and follies of mankind

• gain and deploy a historically grounded understanding of abstract terms such as ‘empire’, ‘civilisation’, ‘parliament’ and ‘peasantry’

• understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends, frame historically-valid questions and create their own structured accounts, including written narratives and analyses

• understand the methods of historical enquiry, including how evidence is used rigorously to make historical claims, and discern how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed History – key stages 1 and 2

• gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts, understanding the connections between local, regional, national and international history; between cultural, economic, military, political, religious and social history; and between short- and long-term timescales.

We would like to share our work and learning from Summer Term 2023

Year 2

During the summer term year 2 have been learning about the ‘The Great Fire of London’. They conducted their own research which led them to look at historical sources of information to find out more about how it started and what changes were made because of this dreadful event. The children were able to recall many facts about the events that took place during the fire and used this knowledge to write fantastic diary entries.

Year 3

During the summer term, Year 3 have been looking at Ancient Greece. Children looked at the states of Sparta and Athens. They participated in a debate between Athens and Sparta to decide which state would be better to grow up in. They used their knowledge of the lifestyle of each including how Spartan children grew up to be warriors and Athenians, politicians. Children looked at the first Olympic Games, comparing the games of Ancient times to that of the modern.

Year 4

This term, we have studied the Viking Invasion of England. We recapped our knowledge that we gained earlier in the year and built upon what we already knew. We focused our learning on the impact of the invasion, and then the changes that Viking society brought. We asked if they were just pillagers and invaders, or if they brought more to our culture. Our unit then ended with the Normandy invasion of 1066 and the founding of a modern Britain.

Year 5

In Year 5, we have been exploring the local historical village of Port Sunlight. The children were able to see how well the workers of Sunlight Soap were treated in comparison to other Victorians. The children were lucky enough to be able to visit the village and could see first-hand the worker’s homes. The children took a tour through the village and explored how much Sunlight Soap has changed over the century, we found there was some particularly not so nice smelling soaps! The children took part in a census workshop, looking at who lived there through different decades and how much the families changed.

Year 6

In Year 6, we have been learning about civil rights and human rights icons. The children have explored human rights throughout history, understanding how equality has changed in society. Initially, we explored who Olaudah Equiano was and what impact he had on the world. Next, our focus turned towards Millicent Fawcett and Emmeline Pankhurst, and how the suffragette and suffragist movement brought attention to inequality for women. Then, we explored Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr, and how both of these icons fought to end racism, segregation and inequality in society. Finally, the children learnt about Malala Yousafzai and how she campaigned for equality in Pakistan.

We would like to share our work and learning from Spring Term 2023

Foundation 1

In History, Foundation 1 have been learning about sequencing. The children have looked at photographs of different family members and sequenced them to understand the order of baby, child, adult. We have looked different houses and homes, past and present and used books and resources during Continuous Provision to explore the learning further through role play.

Foundation 2

This term Foundation 2 have been learning about celebrations in the past.  We have learnt about how families from different countries around the world celebrate birthdays, weddings and many other special holidays.

Year 1

In Year 1, we have been looking at the history of transport. We explored how transport has changed over time, from the first journeys by foot and on donkeys, to the latest cars and aeroplanes. We studied the Wright brothers and evaluated their first aeroplane adventures. We enjoyed acting out how people at the time would have reacted to seeing such an invention in the sky! We also discussed how we use transport and how it can help us get to school or around our local area. Lots of us get to school in different ways.

Year 2

This term we have been looking at nurses in history. We learnt about the amazing lives of Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole and Edith Cavell. We looked at the similarities and differences between the lives of these nurses and the impact that they all had on the history of nursing.

Year 3

Year 3 love really enjoyed their unit of work on Ancient Egypt! They learnt about how important the River Nile is and found information around the room about how the Ancient Egyptians used the Nile for trade, farming and food. Children used the information found to create a fantastic waterfall booklet. We had a brave volunteer who let us follow step by step instructions to ‘mummify’ her which helped us to really understand and learn the mummification process! All of this learning was shared with the rest of the school and parents during a year group assembly. Children were super confident at sharing their work and sang beautifully!

Year 4

In Year 4, our history unit has focused on the impact of the Anglo Saxons on ancient Britain. We began our unit at the end of the Roman Empire and the arrival of the Angles, Jutes and Saxons. We discussed and debated the reasons for their arrival to England and why they stayed. We then investigated what life was like for the ever day Saxon, and compared and contrasted it to the lives of people in Roman Britain. We then learned about the social structure of Anglo Saxon Britain and the existence of the heptarchic culture that led to conflict between the seven kingdoms. Next, we turned our attention to the archaeological remains of the past with a focus on Sutton Hoo - an ancient king’s burial site. We looked at the historical remains of the past and used them to make predictions and inferences about the people who lived at that time. Finally, we learned about the introduction of Christianity to the Anglo Saxons and their conversion from a pagan polytheist culture to a Christian monotheist society.

Year 5

This term Year 5 studied the Victorians. We looked at how the inventions of the Victorians were a part of the Industrial Revolution and began to change the shape of Britain. We discussed how the Industrial Revolution helped Britain become the powerful empire it was. We explored how the British Empire was a good thing as we had lots of countries we could trade with however it also meant we were a part of the horrific slave trade. The children looked at what it would be like to live in the Victorian era and discussed how children of the same age were expected to work in horrible conditions! We were shocked to discover that some children lost their lives at their place of work. We were all very thankful we didn’t have to share a room with our entire family unlike the Victorians who lived in cramped and dirty homes. The children then presented all of their knowledge in some fantastic double page spreads!

Year 6

This term Year 6 have been learning all about WWII – specifically, what were the causes and consequences of WWII. We have looked at Hitler’s rise to power and the outbreak of war, with a focus on Hitler’s ideologies and how he managed to amass such a vast army. The children produced a timeline which documented the events that led up to Britain declaring war on Germany. Next, our focus was on evacuation and rationing during WWII. We looked at why Germany targeted major cities and ports and due to this what happened to the women and children. We explored what life would have been like for a child during the war and the children produced a letter from the point of view of an evacuee child. Finally, we looked at the blitz of Liverpool and the end of the war. Year 6 thoroughly enjoyed learning about how our local area was impacted during the war. Year 6 have developed their skills at using primary and secondary sources to answer gather information about what people experienced and how people felt during the war.

We would like to share our work and learning from Autumn Term 2022

Foundation 1

Foundation 2

This term Foundation 2 have been learning about communities and traditions.  We have learnt about how families from different countries have different traditions and celebrations. We are also learning about how different communities live, starting with our own local community here in Rock Ferry.

Year 1

Year 2

In Year 2, we have been looking at the History of Liverpool – The Impact of Beatles.  We have been looking at what homes and fashion were like in the 1960s in Liverpool. We are learning that the Beatles were a band from Liverpool that wrote and performed their own songs in the 1960’s and were famous world wide. That the four member of the Beatles were called John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.

Year 3

During this term with have been looking at the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. We began by talking a walk back in time by creating out own human timeline to see how far back in time the Stone Age was. Children loved learning about the development of weapons; from the use of stones in axes to iron in swords. Children learnt about the journey of humans, from the beginnings of mankind to the development of settlements and farms.

During Black History Month we looked at the inspirational story of Katherine Johnson. Children researched her life and found she was very special because she led the way in showing what woman and black people could achieve during a time when people were not treated equally.

Year 4

In history this term, we have learned all about the Roman Empire and the invasion of Britannia. We began by learning about the foundation of the Roman Empire and what life was like for people of all social classes. We compared this to what life was like in Britannia during this time and how different the two societies were. We concluded that it should have been easy for the Roman army to conquer Britannia and discussed how they could have done this. We then looked at opposition that the Romans faced in the form of Queen Boudicca and her Celtic resistance. Finally, we looked at what the Roman impact was on Britannia, and how things changed or stayed the same when the Roman Empire left.

We consolidated this with a trip to the Grosvenor museum in Chester, where we got to dress up and march as a Roman Legionnaire and enjoyed a workshop that taught us about life in the ancient Roman fort.

During Black History Month, we looked at the life of the Civil Rights icon Martin Luther King Jr and how he helped to bring about change in America. We learned that love, tolerance and respect for our fellow humans is the best way to change the world.

Year 5

This term, Year 5 have looked at what life was like during the Tudor period and how it compares to life today. They discovered that there were many changes in religion depending on who was on the throne and how severe their punishments were! For Black History Month, we learned about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.

Year 6

During the Autumn Term, Year 6 have been learning about the Ancient Mayans. We began by exploring a timeline of ancient civilisations and made links to other ancient people we have studied in the past including the Egyptians and Romans. We then conducted research and studied a range of sources to learn about how ancient Mayan people lived including their religious beliefs, social structures, diet and writing and number systems.  We concluded by investigating the demise of the Mayans, looking at the three main theories for their decline and then using our own judgement to draw a conclusion about what we think happened to them.

Here is a selection of our work over the school year 2021/22:

Summer Term

Foundation Stage 2

This term Foundation 2 have been learning about changes over time such as a human life cycle. We have also been learning about ways of life and occupations in the past and how they differ to occupations now

Year 1

Year 1 have learnt about what communication is and how it has changed over time, putting forms of communication into chronological order. Children explored different ways to communicate such as through hieroglyphics and cups with string! We talked about what forms of communication are popular now and even thought about what communication may look like in the future.

Year 2

This term Year 2 went to the Beatles’ Story and National Museum of Liverpool to revisit their learning form the autumn term about the Beatles and learn lots of new facts about history and chronology. This term’s topic ‘The Great Fire of London’ led them to look at historical sources of information to find out more about how it started and what changes were made because of this dreadful event.

Year 3

During this term in History, Year 3 have been looking into the Ancient Greeks continuing our understanding of chronology. Children were amazed to learn all about the city states of Sparta and Athens and their different approaches to women’s rights. We have enjoyed learning about how children grew up during this period and the influence their beliefs in the Gods had on their way of life.

Year 4

Year 4 went on a visit to the Liverpool World Museum. During the day, we looked at many of the displays but the highlight was our Anglo-Saxon workshop! Our teachers were very proud that we could answer many of the questions the archaeologist asked us and she was impressed with our learning. We were able to handle Anglo-Saxon artefact and had to find out what they were used for and what they were made out of. It was a fascinating and interesting day.

Year 5

As part of our History topic Year 5 went on a trip to Port Sunlight to look at the local area and what it  looked like in Victorian times. In the summer term we revisited this trip and used our knowledge and information to write a report on our trip and our findings.

Year 6

This term, Year 6 have been learning about famous and influential civil rights campaigners throughout history. We started by discussing what equality means and debating weather or not everyone is equal. This then led us to look at influential figures from all areas and time periods who spent their lives trying to get equality and representation for those who need it. 

We began by learning about the emancipated slave, Olaudah Equiano, and from there, we learned about such figures as Millicent Fawcett and Emmeline Penkhurst and how they fought for female suffrage. Then we studied the teaching of MLK, Nelson Mandela and even the modern fights of Malala Yousafzai and her tireless campaign for young girls to have access to a global education. 

We ended the unit by asking which of these figures we found most influential and important and why.

Spring Term

Foundation 1 - They have been exploring their knowledge of old and new by looking at similarities and difference between artefacts.

Foundation 2 - Children in F2 have learned about historical places through talking about Bidston Hill and the windmill. They made a chronological family timeline including themselves, their parents and grandparents. During their learning about Chinese New Year, they developed their knowledge of ancient civilisations.

Year 1: Transport - Year 1 have been learning about transport used in the past and studied how it has developed up to the present day. They ordered the development of transport on a timeline chronologically and discussed how people travelled before transport existed.

 Year 2: Nurses - Year 2 have been learning about famous nurses and the impact they have had on the medical profession today. The have studied Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole and Edith Cavell focussing on the significant impact they have had both nationally and globally.

Year 3: The Egyptians  - Year 3 have studied the Egyptians and learned about the achievements of this ancient civilisation. They looked at the importance of the River Nile and how the Egyptians farmed their land. They also learned about the strict social hierarchy that existed at this time.

Year 4: The Anglo-Saxons and Vikings - Year 4 have been studying the invasion of England by the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings. They have focused on why the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings invaded Britain and looked at the impact they left behind. The children have learned about historical battles and the hierarchy in place during this era.

Year 5: The Victorians - Year 5 researched what it was like to live in the Victorian era. They discussed social and industrial development and researched how this affected the lives of children at this time. They visited Port Sunlight museum, for their local study, to experience first-hand artefacts and sources to enhance their learning.

Year 6: WWII - Year 6 learned about the events and impact of World War II. They studied key events and people who had significant influence during this time, including politicians. They looked in depth at the role women played during the war and how being evacuated hugely affected the lives of children

Autumn Term

Foundation 1

They have been exploring the history of their lives and how they have grown up and when they were babies. This term they have also been looking at Remembrance Day, creating paintings and exploring the representation of the poppy.

Foundation 2

Children in F2 enjoyed learning about Remembrance Day and made beautiful poppies. They have begun to learn about the concepts of old and new, past and present.

Year 1: Old and New Toys

Year 1 have been learning about toys in the past and comparing them to present day toys, placing them in chronological order. They looked carefully at what the toys in the past were made of compared to day. Also this term also enjoyed learning about Remembrance Day. During Black History week

Year 2: The Beatles

Year 2 have been learning about the Beatles and the impact they had on music and our local are. They also learnt about Remembrance Day and looked at the work of the poet Wilfred Owen. During Black History week

Year 3: The Stone Age

Year 3 have studied the Stone Age and learned about hunter-gatherers, looking at the skills a hunter needed. During Black History week, they discussed Katherine Johnson, a mathematician who worked for NASA.

Year 4: The Romans

Year 4 have been studying the rise of the Roman Empire. They have focused on why the Romans invaded Britain and looked at the impact they left behind. During Black History week they learned researched the life of Martin Luther King and the impact he had on society today.

Year 5: The Tudors

Year 5 researched what it was like to live in the Tudor era. They discussed the impact Henry VIII had on religion. During Black History week they learned about Harriet Tubman and her journey from slavery to freedom.

Year 6: The Mayans

Year 6 learned about Mayan culture. They raised questions which they discussed and gave evidence for their answers. During Black History week they compiled a Martin Luther King fact file and wrote a biography about May Jamison.