Teaching Stone Age to Iron Age at KS2

This teaching Stone Age to Iron Age at KS2 section contains a series of history lessons  on all aspects of the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age, which were judged outstanding by an experienced history OFSTED inspector. They derive from a very detailed medium term plan which contains all the enquiry questions, differentiated objectives, imaginative activities and resources to ensure progression in history.

They also have the all-important rationale which OFSTED are looking for in particular so teachers know the main thrust of the topic. Probably best taught in Year 3 to develop some chronological sequence to our British history studies, this Stone Age to Iron Age topic offers great opportunities to explore in detail two major historical concepts, change and continuity.

It also allow us to keep posing the at all-important question; how can we possibly know what it was like so many years ago before man recorded his thoughts in writing? There is a wealth of artefacts and visual material available: we just need to make it more age-appropriate. It is a very hands-on topic but one that also encourages pupils to think about the spiritual side of life when man was not simply hunting, gathering and farming for survival. Our use of case studies of Star Carr, Skara Brae, Stonehenge, Danebury and Maiden Castle should bring this period alive at KS2.