Memory Box 

During the autumn term, the children take a trip to the past to discover what life was like when they were born. They learn how babies change and grow over time and think about their own early childhood experiences. Using photos and objects from the past, they recall special events such as weddings and christenings. The children talk about their families and share happy memories of people or pets who are no longer alive, helping them understand the idea of remembrance and change over time.

Learning about the days, weeks and months of the year helps them work out how long it is until their next birthday. The children also explore how objects from the past were used and enjoy playing games, singing songs and learning dances from bygone days.

Moon Zoom 

During the summer term, the children travel through space to learn about the Solar System. They use books, videos and photographs to find out about the first lunar landing and learn about the astronauts who ventured into space. This topic encourages curiosity about scientific discovery and the wider universe.

Bright Lights, Big Cities: The Great Fire of London

The children then explore the events of the Great Fire of London, learning when, where and how it happened and why it spread so quickly. They also learn about Queen Elizabeth II, discussing her monarchy and the important responsibilities she held. To celebrate her long and remarkable reign, the children are invited to a special royal garden party — a fun and memorable way to bring their learning to life.

Towers, Tunnels and Turrets

During the autumn term, the children learn about the different parts of a castle and describe how these structures have changed over time. Using a wide range of materials, they design and build their own model castles and test the strength and stability of their creations. Maps and photographs help them explore some of the tallest buildings and longest tunnels in the world. The topic concludes with a study of the remarkable Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his groundbreaking achievement.

Street Detectives

Within the Street Detectives topic, the children investigate photographs to spot similarities and differences between houses and shops from the past and those of today. They learn about the history of our school and speak to former pupils to gain first-hand insight into how it has changed over time.

Land Ahoy!

During the Land Ahoy! Topic, the children learn about significant historical figures including Captain James Cook. They explore their adventures, bravery and contributions to history through stories, videos and simple research.

Ancient Greece

During this topic, the children learn about Ancient Greece and the Greek gods. They explore the gods and their characteristics mainly through Greek myths. The children also enjoy a visit from a Greek theatre group and take part in a themed Greek Day to deepen their understanding of the period.

Stone Age to Iron Age

During the spring term, the children study the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. They investigate what daily life was like for people living in each period and learn about the challenges they faced, including the epic battles and conflicts that shaped early human history.

Celts and Romans

During this term, the children are divided into two warring groups: the Celts and the Romans. They research both cultures and compare Britain, the home of the Celts, with Rome, the centre of the Roman Empire.

Traders and Raiders

As part of the Traders and Raiders topic, the children begin by designing and making sturdy boats capable of withstanding the ocean’s fearsome waves. They write reports from the viewpoint of an onlooker who witnessed the Saxons’ landing and investigate key dates from this period.

Using online maps, the children plot the locations of Roman shore forts and create their own sketch maps. They learn about the Legend of King Arthur and write character portraits of Alfred the Great. The topic also explores the everyday lives of the Saxons and Vikings, giving children a deeper understanding of how these groups lived, worked and travelled.

Ancient Egypt

The children learn about the fascinating — and sometimes gruesome — process of mummification, exploring how and why the Ancient Egyptians carried it out.  They then write a report about Howard Carter’s famous discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb and use a range of historical sources to research what was found inside. They also consider an ethical question: Was it right to open Tutankhamun’s tomb, or should it have remained undisturbed?

Their learning inspires them to write Egyptian mystery stories and non-fiction texts, using the internet to gather information and create fact files. The children study Egyptian artefacts in detail, focusing on symbols, craftsmanship and design features. Through analysing historical sources, they develop their understanding of the Pharaohs, Egyptian gods, and ancient religious beliefs.

The Black Death

The children use a range of source materials to investigate the symptoms of the Black Death. Their geography skills help them understand how the plague reached Britain and why it spread so rapidly. They learn about the different social classes of the time, explore the causes and consequences of the Peasants’ Revolt, take part in a mock battle, and discover what life was like for a medieval knight.

The Tudors

Using online research, the children write biographies of influential figures from the Tudor period and use historical sources to create a Tudor timeline. Tudor portraits inspire them to create their own royal-style paintings.   Their geography skills support comparisons between maps of Tudor London and present-day London, and they plot Anne Boleyn’s journey to the Tower of London and her execution site. Internet research helps them learn more about Henry VIII, his marriages, and his break from the Roman Catholic Church.

Hola Mexico
During this topic, children read Mayan myths and legends and then write their own. Using maps, they locate Mexico and explore its natural features. They also investigate what daily life is like in Mexico today and how it has changed over time.

Fallen Fields
Known as “the war to end all wars,” the First World War was a conflict that had a devastating effect on millions of people across the world. Children investigate who started this global tragedy, what life was like for families on the home front as they waited for news of loved ones who were missing in action, how soldiers endured the terrible conditions in the trenches, and how a fragile peace was finally achieved.

Firedamp and Davy Lamps
In this project, children explore the history of coal mining, including mining strikes, their effects on miners, families and communities, and the legacy and future of coal mining. This project links closely to the Year 6 residential trip to Shropshire.

Revolutions
During this topic, the children study various aspects of Victorian life. They begin by learning about Queen Victoria before investigating the effects of industrial changes, especially factory life. The children compare life in towns with life in the countryside during this era, and explore key developments in transport and how these influenced the lives of both rich and poor. Finally, they discover what school life was like for Victorian children from different backgrounds.