Long-term overview - Slavery - Year 5

The Year 5 history curriculum delves into the complex and sombre topic of slavery, aiming to foster a comprehensive understanding among students. The lessons explore the meaning of slavery, a system where individuals are owned and controlled by others, deprived of personal freedom and forced to work. The curriculum examines the transatlantic slave trade, highlighting Britain's significant role in this inhumane practice. Students will investigate the origins and destinations of enslaved individuals, understanding the global impact of the trade.

Life aboard the transportation ships, often referred to as the Middle Passage, is studied to appreciate the harrowing conditions faced by the captives. The curriculum also addresses how the slave trade eventually came to an end. Through disciplinary knowledge, students are expected to develop a chronologically secure understanding of history, both locally and globally. They will learn to construct timelines, engage in historical enquiry, and interpret the significance of events. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, with a focus on understanding causation, using evidence to support conclusions, and recognising the existence of different historical interpretations. By investigating the personal experiences of slaves, including the brutal reality of slave auctions, students will gain insight into the human aspect of this dark era and its enduring legacy.