National Curriculum Objectives - Crime and Punishment - Year 5

The National Curriculum for History at Key Stage 2 mandates that pupils should enhance their understanding of history in a structured, chronological context. They are expected to gain a secure grasp of British, local, and world history, weaving clear narratives throughout the various periods they explore. A key aspect of their learning is to recognise connections, contrasts, and trends throughout time, while also becoming adept in the use of historical terminology. Students are encouraged to engage with historical enquiry, posing and exploring questions about change, cause, similarity, difference, and significance. They should be capable of constructing well-informed responses, which involve the careful selection and arrangement of pertinent historical facts. Moreover, it is crucial for students to appreciate that our comprehension of history is pieced together from a diverse array of sources.

Within this framework, students are tasked with delving into specific themes or aspects of British history that extend their chronological knowledge beyond the year 1066. One such theme is 'crime and punishment', where pupils explore its evolution throughout British history, understanding how methods of punishment have transformed over time. They are expected to utilise various types of evidence to present clear explanations for differing interpretations of historical events, correlating these interpretations with their factual knowledge of the past. Students should also be able to sequence a growing number of significant events, movements, and dates on a timeline with accuracy. Furthermore, they are taught to characterise major shifts in historical periods using descriptors such as social, religious, political, technological, and cultural. When faced with historically valid questions, pupils should be able to sift through information selectively and construct detailed, knowledgeable answers.