KS1 & KS2 history curriculum

This unit uses and builds on pupils' knowledge about archaeologists that they developed in the unit about ancient Egypt. Having studied one Bronze Age civilisation in depth, the ancient Egyptians, pupils' access to and interest in this unit will be secure. This unit prepares pupils for future units on other early civilisations such as the Indus and the Shang dynasty in China. It also prepares pupils for later units that make reference to city-states and provides background geographical knowledge for the year 4 unit on Alexander the Great and Persia.

1. Mesopotamia, the land 'between two rivers'
2. The growth of trade, construction and writing in Mesopotamia
3. Other 'cradles of civilisation'
4. The art and artefacts of the earliest civilisations
5. Similarities between the earliest civilisations
6. Comparing the earliest civilisations

• An awareness of artifacts and archaeologists.
• An awareness of distinctive ancient cultures as introduced in 'Bronze and Iron Age Britain and Ireland: how did life change during this time?'
• Stories from EYFS and KS1 Religious Education about gods and goddesses.
• An awareness of what civilisation means, especially in the context of 'ancient civilisations'.