History
History at St Antony’s is taught alongside the other foundation subjects, geography, art, design and technology through a topic-based approach. This means that children will learn through topics that link subjects together. It encourages children to engage with their own learning so the topics relate to their current needs and is relevant to their future. It supports the development of their knowledge, skills and understanding in each subject. We endeavour to give the children opportunities to develop their knowledge and key skills through enquiry, discovery and first hand experience.
In October, Years 1 - 6 celebrated Black History Month with an African drumming workshop.
KS1 - Years 1 and 2
In Years 1 and 2 at St Antony’s we aim to develop an awareness of the past identifying similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods. Children are encouraged to use everyday historical terms and not only to answer questions but to ask them as well.
Year 1 think about changes within their living memory by looking at the lives of Prince George and Princess Charlotte as well as studying the Great Fire of London as a significant historical event. They also spend time looking at the lives of local historical people including William Morris and Winston Churchill.
Year 2’s history topic is “People of the Past”. They think about the lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements, for example, Christopher Columbus, Neil Armstrong, Pieter Bruegel the Elder LS Lowry, Rosa Parks and Mary Seacole.
KS2 - Years 3-6
From Year 3 to Year 6 the children develop a chronological knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history establishing narratives within and across the periods they study, noting connections, contrasts and trends over time. Children are expected to use historical terms and are encouraged to consider historically valid questions and informed responses about change, cause, similarity and difference, and significance.
Year 3 visited Redbridge Museum to find out more about the Stone and Iron Ages
Year 3 children study the changes in Britain from the Stone Age through the Bronze Age to the Iron Age, whilst also studing Mt Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Moving onto life in Ancient Egypt Year 4 children look at how important the Nile was to the Egyptians and their farming. They learn how to use hieroglyphics and use different sources to find out more about the everyday life of people in Ancient Egypt.
Year 4 were archaeologists for the day, discovering Ancient Egyptian artefacts
Year 5 children explore the influence of Ancient Greek civilisation on our lives today, including how the different styles of Greek government have influenced our political systems today. In addition, the children have the opportunity to find out how key people such as Alexander the Great built up armies and their fights over different lands. We hold our own Olympics!
Year 5 carried a voting simulation in order to see what democracy was really like in Ancient Greece.
In Year 6 children compare what was happening in Britain in 900AD with the Mayans. Children learn about Mayan artefacts, Mayan hierarchy and Mayan rituals. They also learn how to write their name in Mayan and read each other’s symbols. Children investigate reasons behind the fall of the Mayan empire. Year 6 children also study WWII in Britain, sequence key events in chronological order. They study key figures such as: Hitler and Churchill and looked at the roles they played during the war. Children study the blitz, air raids, the experiences children had during the war and what it was like to be evacuated. Children also reflect on how our lives have been affected today by the events of WW2.