History - Year 1 - Focus Education
What does the Year 1 scheme cover?
Focus Education prioritises equipping Year 1 teachers with the essential tools to deliver exceptional History lessons, ensuring remarkable outcomes for pupils. With each lesson focussing around an enquiry-based question, substantive and disciplinary knowledge builds over time to become firmly embedded. This approach not only cultivates a chronological understanding of local, British and world history, but also fosters a lasting appreciation of how our present actions can shape the future.
Castles
Delve into the historical inhabitants and functions of castles in this unit, exploring their role in providing security and protection. Investigate the materials used in constructing castles, contributing to their size and strength, and utilise this knowledge to design your own motte and bailey castle. Discover the nearest castle to your location, understanding the strategic importance of castles in the context of William the Conqueror's conquest of the UK. Finish this unit by uncovering the reasons behind the presence of castles in traditional stories, particularly in legendary and famous fairytales, such as Sleeping Beauty.
Key questions answered:
- What is a castle?
- Why do we have castles?
- How did castles protect people?
- What features do castles have?
- Why do so many stories mention castles?
Famous People from Manchester
In this unit, distinguish between the terms 'significant' and 'famous' while delving into the lives of individuals both local to you and from across the UK. Gain insights into the impactful contributions of historical figures such as Emmeline Pankhurst, who championed women's equality, and Mary Price, a key figure in the abolition of slavery. Examine the distinct eras in which they lived, drawing comparisons to the present day. Explore the life of Alan Turing, highlighting his pivotal role in computer science, his contributions to breaking German codes during the war, and how his work continues to influence technology today. Conclude the unit by looking at famous people who are still alive, reflecting on the actions that have propelled them to fame.
Key questions answered:
- What does the term ‘famous’ mean?
- Which famous people are from your locality?
- What famous people from the past lived locally?
- What is the impact of a famous local person on our lives today?
Grandparents
In this unit, explore reliable sources as you consider how technology is now used in classrooms, comparing this to photographs from the past. Familiarise yourself with popular playground and board games from the 1950s and 1960s and discuss the introduction of fast-food and online shopping. Think like a historian and ask your own questions to find out more from grandparents as you gather information on changes within their living memory and contrasts between their childhood experiences and your own in the present day.
Key questions answered:
- How did my grandparents’ childhood differ from mine?
- What toys did my grandparents have?
- What did school days used to look like?
- What did they eat?
- How did my grandparents celebrate their birthdays?
What’s included for Year 1 teachers?
- Full Year 1 National Curriculum coverage
- Detailed lesson plans and presentations
- Visual knowledge organisers for each lesson
- Comprehensive assessment materials
- Links to prior and future learning, progression maps & more!
