United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 2 History
Key Stage 1 History Year 2: studying significant individuals, events beyond living memory such as the Great Fire of London, and changes in local history, aligned with UK National Curriculum attainment targets.
01Nursing and Medical Pioneers
Exploring the lives of Florence Nightingale, Mary Seacole, and Edith Cavell to understand how nursing and hospitals evolved.
Investigating Florence Nightingale's childhood and the societal expectations she defied to pursue nursing.
Discovering how Florence Nightingale transformed hospital hygiene and patient care during the Crimean War.
Learning about Mary Seacole's journey from Jamaica to the Crimea and her unique contributions to soldier care.
Examining the life of Edith Cavell and her courage in helping soldiers from all sides during the First World War.
Comparing medical care from the Victorian era to modern-day National Health Service practices.
Exploring the evolving roles of medical professionals from the 19th century to the present day.
Understanding the origins and importance of the National Health Service in providing healthcare for all.
Learning about the groundbreaking work of scientists like Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister in understanding germs and promoting hygiene.
Exploring the history and importance of vaccinations, from Edward Jenner to modern immunization programs.
Learning basic first aid principles and why it's important to know how to help in an emergency.
02The Great Fire of London
An in-depth investigation into the 1666 disaster, its causes, the diary of Samuel Pepys, and the city's recovery.
Investigating the urban landscape of London before the fire, focusing on building materials and density.
Investigating the origins of the fire in Thomas Farriner's bakery and the initial factors that caused it to spread.
Using primary sources from Samuel Pepys' diary to understand the personal experience of living through the fire.
Exploring the primitive methods used to stop the fire, from leather buckets to fire hooks and gunpowder.
Examining the immediate consequences of the fire, including homelessness and the destruction of landmarks.
Learning how the city was redesigned with wider streets and stone buildings under the guidance of Sir Christopher Wren.
Comparing the Great Fire of London to how we stay safe from fire today, including modern prevention and response.
Discovering the purpose and design of the Monument, a lasting reminder of the Great Fire of London.
03Explorers and Great Achievements
Studying individuals who pushed the boundaries of human knowledge, from the depths of the ocean to the Moon.
Introducing the concept of exploration and the motivations behind historical journeys of discovery.
Learning about Christopher Columbus's voyages and their impact on global understanding.
The story of the brave expedition to the Antarctic and the challenges of the ice.
Discovering the first successful ascent of Mount Everest and the challenges of high-altitude climbing.
Understanding the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to achieve spaceflight milestones.
Following Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Apollo 11 mission and its global significance.
Learning about life on the International Space Station and modern space exploration.
Comparing explorers from different eras and environments and their impact on the world.
Developing basic map reading skills and understanding how explorers used maps and tools to navigate.
Highlighting the achievements of women in exploration, such as Amelia Earhart or Valentina Tereshkova.
04Equality and Civil Rights
Understanding how individuals like Rosa Parks and Emily Davison fought for fairness and the right to vote.
Reflecting on the concept of equality and why it's important for everyone to be treated fairly.
The story of how one woman's refusal to move changed civil rights in America.
Learning about Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and his advocacy for non-violent resistance.
Learning about the struggle of women in Britain to gain the right to vote.
Examining the life and actions of Emily Davison and her role in the Suffragette movement.
Understanding the concept of children's rights and how they are protected in modern society.
Introducing the idea of universal human rights and why they are important for everyone, everywhere.
Understanding and appreciating the differences among people, including culture, background, and abilities.
05Our Local Heritage
Discovering the secrets of our immediate surroundings and how our community has evolved over time.
Comparing historical maps of the local area with modern satellite imagery and street maps.
Investigating the history of significant buildings or landmarks in the local community.
Researching a significant person who lived in or visited our town or city and their contributions.
Investigating when the school was built, its original purpose, and what it was like for the first pupils.
Exploring how people traveled in the local area in the past compared to modern transport.
Investigating the types of shops and industries that existed in the local area historically and how they've changed.
Thinking about why we protect old buildings, historical sites, and how we keep local history alive.
Exploring unique traditions, festivals, or events that have been celebrated in our local area over time.
Understanding the value of oral history by listening to stories from older members of the community about local life.
Investigating how the local natural environment and wildlife have changed over time due to human activity or natural processes.
An introduction to archaeology and how it helps us discover secrets from our local past through artifacts.
Engaging with local historical artifacts and exhibits to deepen understanding of the community's past.