The current history curriculum at KS1 asks schools to provide a little more coherence in their choice of significant people to study, suggesting that they might be linked by theme. I agree with this improvement. Here we have a possible theme of ‘our senses’ or ‘communications’. Pupils could study Braille alongside Helen Keller, another stirring example of a young person triumphing over adversity in an astonishing way which will inspire young children. This topic sits very well in Y2 and children benefit enormously from appreciating the plight of others who see setbacks as challenges. It is important that the study is more than biography, though.
The medium term planner has 6 key questions which offer contexts for deepening pupils’ historical understanding though it is anticipated that the broader topic will draw on lots of cross-curricular work too. Beneath each question there is a suggestion as to which historical concept is in focus. There are differentiated learning objectives, suggestions for teaching and learning activities and resources some of which can be found on the website – some of which will be uploaded in September and October. As always subscribers can request draft material in advance of publication which will be atleast
