KS2 History Curriculum Resources
Explore engaging KS2 History resources, lesson plans and schemes of work for Years 3 to 6. Designed to support the KS2 History curriculum, our ready-to-teach lessons cover British history, ancient civilisations, local history and significant periods and societies from around the world, helping children develop chronological understanding, historical knowledge and enquiry skills.
Year 3 History
Explore engaging Year 3 History topics, lesson plans and schemes of work covering British history, ancient civilisations and significant periods from the past.
Year 4 History
Discover ready-to-teach Year 4 History resources for exploring key periods, people and civilisations while developing chronological understanding and historical enquiry.
Year 5 History
Browse Year 5 History lesson plans and schemes of work designed to deepen historical knowledge through British history, ancient societies and world history.
Year 6 History
Explore Year 6 History resources that help children investigate significant periods and societies, evaluate evidence and develop more sophisticated historical thinking.
Browse KS2 History Topics
Britain Up to 1066
Explore the story of Britain from the earliest settlers through to the Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the kingdom.
- Stone Age to Iron Age
- Roman Britain
- Anglo-Saxons
- Scots
- Vikings
Britain Beyond 1066
Investigate significant periods, events and turning points in British history from 1066 through to the modern era.
- Tudors
- Victorians
- Industrial Revolution
- World War I
- World War II
Ancient Civilisations
Discover some of the world's earliest civilisations and explore their achievements, beliefs, societies and everyday lives.
- Ancient Egypt
- Ancient Greece
- Shang Dynasty
- Ancient Rome
Non-European Societies
Explore significant societies from around the world and compare their achievements, cultures and ways of life with British history.
- Maya Civilisation
- Kingdom of Benin
- Early Islamic Civilisation
Popular KS2 History Schemes of Work:
Why teachers choose PlanBee KS2 History resources
Ready-to-teach KS2 History lesson plans and schemes of work designed to support the KS2 History curriculum, save planning time and help children develop secure historical knowledge, chronological understanding and enquiry skills.
Develop historical enquiry
Help children investigate the past using a range of sources, ask increasingly sophisticated questions, evaluate evidence and develop informed interpretations.
Aligned with the KS2 History curriculum
Explore KS2 History schemes of work covering British history, ancient civilisations, non-European societies, local history and other National Curriculum History requirements for Key Stage 2.
Complete KS2 History lesson plans
Save planning time with complete History lessons including teaching slides, differentiated activities, worksheets, detailed lesson plans and assessment opportunities.
Engaging KS2 History topics
Bring the past to life through rich KS2 History topics including the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the Maya, World War II and more.
Explore our KS2 History Resources
Browse our complete collection of KS2 History resources, lesson plans and schemes of work for Years 3 to 6. Explore engaging topics covering British history, ancient civilisations, non-European societies and significant periods beyond 1066, all designed to support the KS2 History curriculum.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is taught in History at KS2?
KS2 History introduces children to a broad range of British and world history. The National Curriculum includes changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, the Roman Empire and its impact on Britain, Anglo-Saxons and Scots, Vikings, a local history study, a study of an aspect or theme in British history beyond 1066, Ancient Greece, an early civilisation and a non-European society.
What are the National Curriculum requirements for KS2 History?
The KS2 History National Curriculum requires pupils to develop a chronologically secure understanding of British, local and world history. Children should make connections between different periods, use historical terms, ask and answer questions about change, cause, similarity, difference and significance, and understand how evidence is used to construct our knowledge of the past.
What are good KS2 History topics?
Popular KS2 History topics include the Stone Age, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the Maya, the Kingdom of Benin, Tudors, Victorians and the World Wars. Schools can select and sequence topics to create a coherent History curriculum across Years 3 to 6.
What History should be taught in Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6?
The National Curriculum does not prescribe particular History topics for individual KS2 year groups. Schools can decide how to organise and sequence the KS2 History curriculum across Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. A well-planned curriculum should help children progressively develop historical knowledge, chronological understanding and enquiry skills.
Does KS2 History have to be taught in chronological order?
No. KS2 History topics do not have to be taught in strict chronological order. However, pupils should develop a chronologically secure understanding of the periods they study and be able to place new knowledge within a wider historical context. Regular use of timelines and connections between topics can support this.
What historical skills should children develop in KS2?
KS2 pupils should learn to investigate historical questions, analyse sources and evidence, consider different interpretations of the past and identify connections, contrasts and trends over time. They should also develop their understanding of chronology, cause and consequence, change and continuity, similarity and difference, and historical significance.
What should a KS2 History scheme of work include?
A strong KS2 History scheme of work should combine secure historical knowledge with opportunities for historical enquiry. Lessons should help pupils investigate evidence, develop historical vocabulary, understand chronology, make connections between periods and construct informed responses to questions about the past.
What is British history beyond 1066 at KS2?
The National Curriculum requires KS2 pupils to study an aspect or theme in British history that extends their chronological knowledge beyond 1066. Schools have flexibility over what they choose to study, which could include topics such as the Tudors, Victorians, the Industrial Revolution or significant events and changes in more recent British history.
What is an ancient civilisation in the KS2 History curriculum?
KS2 pupils study the achievements of one of the earliest civilisations in depth, with the National Curriculum identifying Ancient Sumer, the Indus Valley, Ancient Egypt and the Shang Dynasty as options. Ancient Greece is a separate statutory study covering Greek life, achievements and influence on the western world.
What KS2 History resources are included in PlanBee schemes of work?
PlanBee KS2 History schemes of work provide ready-to-teach lessons with detailed lesson plans, teaching slides and differentiated activities and resources. Schemes are designed to save teachers planning time while helping pupils develop historical knowledge, chronological understanding and enquiry skills.
Can I use PlanBee resources to plan the KS2 History curriculum?
Yes. PlanBee's KS2 History resources cover a wide range of British and world history topics suitable for Years 3 to 6. Schools can select and sequence schemes to create a History curriculum that meets National Curriculum requirements while reflecting their own curriculum choices and the needs of their pupils. Alternatively, we have two History Curriculum Packs available which provide ready-made History curricula from Year 1 to Year 6.
