Subject: history
Key stage: ks2
Year: year-3
Description: This unit evaluates the degree of change and continuity over 3,000 years. It also introduces pupils to the key features of ancient Egyptian civilisation, such as its location, religion, writing, burial practices and rulers.
Why this, why now: This unit uses and builds on previous units where pupils encountered artefacts and archaeologists, such as units on the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. This unit prepares pupils for following year 3 units on early civilisations such as the Indus, Sumer and the Shang dynasty in China. It also prepares pupils for year 4 units on Alexander the Great and ancient Rome, where stories of trade with and conquest of, Egypt, are told. It also prepares them for many year 5 and 6 themes about cities, farming, war and peace.
Prior knowledge requirements: An awareness of artifacts and archaeologists. An awareness of distinctive ancient cultures as introduced in 'Bronze and Iron Age Britain and Ireland: how did life change during this time?' Stories from EYFS and KS1 Religious Education about gods and goddesses.
National curriculum content: Develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study Note connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop the appropriate use of historical terms Regularly address and sometimes devise historically valid questions about change, cause, similarity and difference, and significance Construct informed responses that involve thoughtful selection and organisation of relevant historical information The achievements of the earliest civilizations – an overview of where and when the first civilizations appeared and a depth study of one of the following: Ancient Sumer, The Indus Valley, Ancient Egypt, The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China
Unit lessons: