Check it! - Slavery - Year 5

Understanding the term 'slavery' is a critical part of the Year 5 curriculum, as outlined by Focus Education. The term refers to the condition in which individuals are owned by others and are forced to work without any form of payment or freedom. It is a concept that is revisited regularly to ensure that students can retain and comprehend this significant historical and social issue. Educators are encouraged to use various strategies to help children review and consolidate their understanding. These strategies include brainstorming sessions, summarising key points in five statements, adding information to mind maps, and creating retrieval pyramids to aid memory and understanding.

As part of the curriculum, students explore the impact of the Anglo-Saxons on Britain and the dark history of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. They delve into the roles that slaves were forced into and discuss significant figures who played a role in the abolition of slavery. By expanding and elaborating on these topics, students gain a deeper insight into the historical context and the human experiences behind these events. The curriculum also encourages students to make connections between past and present by discussing the reasons why most slaves were of African descent and examining the links between the 'Black Lives Matter' movement and the history of slavery. The learning materials are designed to be inclusive and cater to different levels of difficulty, ensuring that all pupils can engage with the essential questions and advanced learners are challenged further.