What do we know about other great civilisations of this time? - Teacher notes

The National Curriculum sets an educational requirement for pupils to explore the prominent civilisations that existed around 3000 years ago. This encompasses an understanding of the earliest civilisations' significant achievements, including knowledge of when and where these societies first emerged. Teachers are expected to provide an overview of Ancient Sumer, the Indus Valley, Ancient Egypt, and the Shang Dynasty of Ancient China, followed by a more detailed study of one selected civilisation from this list.

The unit is structured to initially acquaint pupils with the geographical context of each civilisation by identifying their locations on a world map. This foundational step is crucial for pupils to visualise and relate to the physical spaces where these societies thrived. Following this, pupils are encouraged to delve into the history and culture of each civilisation, exploring their unique contributions and advancements. The curriculum aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of these ancient societies, including an examination of why the Ancient Egyptian civilisation was considered particularly advanced for its time. By comparing and contrasting these civilisations, pupils gain insight into the diverse legacies that have shaped human history.