Individuals & Events

Of course, individuals and events permeate history. However, the Key Stage 1 units of study particularly require the study of significant individuals and events. What makes an individual significant? What might be considered a significant event? The emphasis is upon a comparison of individuals and events that can be used to make links across time, themes and geographical space. In this section you will find resources and articles to help you to plan innovative units of work based around individuals and events that can either be used to reveal a local, national and international picture, or that can be used to illustrate themes over time or geographical space.

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  • Making the most of a visit to the Museum of London Docklands

    Article

    In this article Susie Townsend explores one of her favourite museums, the Museum of London Docklands, and explains why it has a real value and interest far beyond the locality. As well as covering the benefits of a visit, she also provides ideas for teaching activities across the primary age range....

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  • My favourite place: Lyme Regis, Dorset

    Article

    Claire Bradshaw describes why Lyme Regis is a very special place not just for its stunning scenery but for its educational value. It probably has a history dating back to earlier than any other article in the ‘My Favourite Place’ series – this one running into millions of years.   ...

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  • Northamptonshire in a Global Context

    Article

    Produced by the Northamptonshire Black History Association and originally published in 2008, this is one of a set of resources for schools offering a more inclusive map of the past that includes an appreciation of Black History within the local, national and global context. The resources provide a range of opportunities to promote diversity within the curriculum....

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  • One of my favourite history places: Conwy

    Article

    The medieval walled town of Conwy, situated by the River Conwy and surrounded by the stunning and rugged Welsh countryside, is well deserving of its status as a World Heritage Site and is also my favourite history place. Approach the town from the east side and the first thing you...

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  • One of my favourite history places: Eyam

    Article

    Imagine……… walking down the street and crossing the road to avoid having to talk to a friend……. declining a friend’s invitation to enter her house…... feeling angry and trapped that you cannot travel away from your home….  Are such feelings familiar to you during the coronavirus crisis?  Maybe they are – but I am...

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  • One of my favourite history places: Neuschwanstein Castle

    Article

    Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle is a dramatic if seemingly unreal experience and for this reason it is one of my favourite historical sites. The castle is situated on the slopes of the Alps in Bavaria, close to the village of Hohenschwangau, overlooking low-lying plains to the north. The ornate turrets, Romanesque windows...

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  • One of my favourite history places: Studland Village

    Article

    Studland village is situated in the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. Purbeck is not an island in the normal sense of being surrounded by sea. However, it is surrounded by large hills to its north and has a coastline to its south, both of which cut it off from the...

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  • Overground, underground and across the sea

    Article

    Communication is at the heart of what it is to be human, and the British postal service has helped to shape the modern world as we know it today. From cryptic Victorian Valentine cards to a lion encountered on Salisbury Plain, there is nothing ordinary about the story of the post! The British postal service...

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  • Podcast Series: Charles Darwin

    Multipage Article

    In this set of podcasts Project Director Professor Jim Secord and Associate Director Dr Alison Pearn of the Darwin Correspondence Project discuss the life, work and legacy of Charles Darwin.

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  • Pride in place: What does historical geographical and social understanding look like?

    Article

    Please note: this article pre-dates the 2014 National Curriculum and some content may be outdated. ‘Some primary schools are like the High Street in many of our towns. I can predict what I will see before I go through the door. What I want to see is something that gives me...

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  • Pull-out Posters: Primary History 81

    Article

    1. What was it like to be a child in World War II? 2. Three female pilots - can you use the words in the box to talk about each pilot?

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  • Pull-out posters: Primary History 88 – Diversity

    Article

    There has been much emphasis on ensuring that we teach a balanced history curriculum that reflects diversity. Teachers often ask the Historical Association where they can get their ideas and find examples of good practice. From the start, this journal has addressed the many strands of a diverse primary history...

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  • Pull-out posters: Primary History 90

    Article

    Timeline of Queen Elizabeth II Queen and Commonwealth

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  • Pull-out posters: Primary History 95

    Article

    Everywhere you look in history you can find deaf people and sign languages.

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  • Recorded webinar: The Great Fire of London

    Article

    Capture the sights and sounds of the insanitary and overcrowded capital city of Stuart England in 1666 with Andrew Wrenn. Compare how city fires were fought in London then and today, learn why the Great Fire spread so quickly from Pudding Lane, hear how Samuel Pepys the diarist witnessed events...

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  • Sarah Forbes Bonetta: Scheme of Work

    Article

    Children are introduced to the idea of significance, and how this might change over time. Sarah Forbes Bonetta – we don't even know her real name – was an African princess, a slave in West Africa, a god-daughter of Queen Victoria, a wife, mother and missionary teacher. Does that make her...

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  • Scheme of Work: Brunel

    Article

    At Key Stage 1, pupils are asked to examine the lives of significant individuals who have also contributed to national achievements. A study of Isambard Kingdom Brunel provides a fascinating example of an individual whose technological and engineering advances have helped to shape the face of Britain.  Children can identify...

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  • Scheme of Work: Grace O'Malley

    Article

    This unit encourages pupils to explore the past by examining their ideas about pirates, with particular reference to Grace O’Malley. The key question leads children to consider what are the characteristics of a pirate and to challenge stereotypes in the light of historical enquiry. The key question also leads to...

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  • Scheme of Work: Significant Individuals at Key Stage 1: Ibn Battuta

    Article

    The history programme of study for Key Stage 1 requires pupils to be taught about: 'The lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements, some of whom should be used to compare aspects of life in different periods.' In this unit, children are...

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  • Scheme of Work: Walter Tull

    Article

    Pupils will look at the childhood and football career of Walter Tull, what happened to him when he fought in World War I and why he was different from most people of his time. They will compare his experiences to issues and people still relevant today including the double Olympian...

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