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Teaching Chronology in Primary History

Session recorded 18.5.23. Answers and comments may be in response to the chat feed which you can’t see; they may appear out of context because of this.

Session Outline:

This session focuses on the chronology elements of the 2014 English National Curriculum for History. It focuses on how chronology can be taught through the primary school age range.

The National Curriculum:

This is a quick video which narrates the chronological references in the NC2014. It will hopefully open your eyes to the sheer volume of chronology within the history curriculum. 

It should be used in conjunction with the live webinar. 

The Chronology jigsaw I made reference to is part of my Whole School Chronology Resource. As part of this CPD session, I have created a 50% off discount code for all those that attended. The code is:

ChronCPD

Shop Link:

Chronology Books:

During the session, I mentioned a number of chronology books which I personally enjoy using as part of reading lessons, for additional historical context or to have in the class library. Anecdotally, children really enjoy exploring many facets of chronology beyond what we cover during individual sessions. It also reduces the interval between which chronology is covered. Remember, the key element is to be really clear on what you want them to achieve to ensure their use is maximised.

Terms and Conditions:

Everyone that paid to attend the CPD session or access the recording is allowed to share these resources in their school and no further. This includes not being able to share with other schools in a MAT/MAC/Federation or other group of schools working together under any partnership without express written permission from myself. 

​Sharing resources damages the livelihood of those that create them and is a breach of copyright law. 

Live session recorded: 13.9.22
Any references to the chat box cannot be viewed in the video. If you have any questions while accessing the recording, they should be sent via email to stuart@mrtdoeshistory.com with the subject: Historical Enquiry recording

The session has the following emphasis:

What is history?

What is historical enquiry?

Why does it matter?

How does it scaffold a knowledge-rich curriculum?

Substantive and disciplinary concepts in history

Assessment and progression

Supporting Video and Resource:
Video 2 – modelled examples of how enquiry questions could be introduced in the classroom. Linking disciplinary (historical) concepts to prior learning where appropriate.

Video 3 – possible lesson sequences based on enquiry questions for KS1, LKS2 and UKS2. This is from a previous edition of the CPD so contains some differences in the KS1 and UKS2 questions used.

For more support on historical enquiry, please consider joining the Historical Association. A multitude of schemes of work all led in this manner written by specialists and reviewed to the highest of standards.

​Terms and Conditions: 
You are welcome to share the resources within your individual school but not across your MAT/Federation/Cluster or equivalent without express written permission from myself. I cannot keep web CPD so reasonably priced without your cooperation. 

I just wanted to send a quick email to say how fantastic the resources and planning are for your recent unit on Ancient Greece. So far, I have only done the first session, but have prepared/read through the second session and it is so pleasing that I have very little to do for it!! The kids loved the lesson style - so much time to chat and dig deep into proper history talk and I feel their learning will progress so much more satisfactorily because of all this.

A. Amos – Teacher, Leeds

Your visit was really inspiring, and having a pair of impartial eyes to look over our curriculum and books is just what we needed. We have really clear points going forward on how we can improve. Staff were so positive about the training too, something for everyone to take away. I'll be doing a follow up staff meeting in a few weeks.   You are genuinely brilliant at what you do and it was great to chat with a fellow history nerd! Really appreciate the documents you have sent over too, very generous.

N. Evans – History Lead

Really informative, great ideas, helpful advise and some fab resources. Thank you so much

C. Fielder, Curriculum Lead, Milton Keynes

We had a training day today; it was both fun and very inspirational. Lots of sensible and clear ideas to make History more engaging and purposeful for pupils.

A. Wells, Deputy Headteacher, Lincolnshire

I can’t recommend Mr T does Primary History enough. I am new to leading this particular subject and I left his training today feeling completely inspired. Thanks again Mr T

Louise Hill, History Subject Lead

Just purchased the Ancient Greek unit plan for 3/4 and its excellent! Certainly made my planning a lot easier! Many thanks, look forward to buying other units throughout the year!

I. Fern, Teacher

Awesome day spent with Mr T today going through our books and curriculum with a fine tooth comb. Great to know we were on the right track and to get clarity and direction on what we weren't sure about. Great staff meeting about how to use historical sources in a range of ways across the year groups.

H. Doust, History Subject Lead, Kirton Lindsey School