Year 5 Rationale

Autumn 1

In Year 5, pupils begin the year by investigating the Anglo-Saxon era. They construct informed responses, that involve thoughtful selection and organisation of relevant historical information, develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British history during the Anglo-Saxon period, gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts and make connections, draw contrasts, analyse trends and frame historically-valid questions using appropriate dates and terms. Children write a report about the similarities and differences between the Anglo Saxons and another civilisation of their choice, eg. The Romans. At the end of the unit, following all the weekly ‘quick quizzes’, based on their History Knowledge Organiser, they have a final quiz and assessment and then in groups, create an oracy presentation, highlighting what they now know about the Anglo Saxons.

Spring 2

In the Spring term, pupils in Year 5 develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of Non-European history during the Golden Era, in their topic ‘Inventors and Inventions’, where they explore the Early Islamic Civilisation (Baghdad AD900). This topic is particularly pertinent to the majority of the children in our school. Pupils gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts by studying aspects of the Golden Era (cultural, economic, religious and social history) and construct informed responses that involve thoughtful selection and organisation of relevant historical information. Pupils establish a narrative, showing connections and trends and analyse these contrasts over the Golden Age period.

Summer 2

Towards the end of the year, pupils sequence events and periods through the use of appropriate terms relating to the passing of time. They gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts, by studying aspects of cultural, economic, military, political, religious and social history in relation to Ancient Greece and begin to evaluate sources to make historical claims. Pupils produce structured work that makes connections and contrasts, understand what life was like in Ancient Greece and know how it has influenced the rest of the world.