Long-term overview - Ancient Greeks - Year 3

The Year 3 history curriculum provides a comprehensive exploration of Ancient Greek civilization, its profound achievements, and its lasting impact on the western world. Pupils are expected to gain substantive knowledge about the location of Greece and understand that the Ancient Greeks were a highly advanced civilization. They will delve into the historical rivalry between the city-states of Sparta and Athens, learn about the polytheistic nature of Greek society with its pantheon of gods, and discover the origins of the Olympic Games. Additionally, the curriculum highlights the Ancient Greeks' pivotal role in the inception of democracy, a concept that has shaped modern governance.

In developing their disciplinary knowledge, Year 3 students will begin to grasp the concept of chronology, learning to use dates and timelines to contextualize history into distinct periods, including the use of conventions such as BC, BCE, and AD. They will investigate the causes and significance of historical events and understand how inventions like the wheel or the use of iron ore revolutionized ancient societies. Through historical enquiry, pupils will engage with various sources to gather information, learn to differentiate between fact and fiction, and recognize that historical narratives can be influenced by the limited evidence available. The curriculum encourages students to interpret the past and consider the motivations behind historical actions, fostering a deeper understanding of how the beliefs and values of the Ancient Greeks, particularly their reverence for their gods, shaped their lives and cultural legacy.