Overview 

At Gladstone Primary Academy, we believe that, through the study of history, children make sense of the past and enrich their understanding of it. We celebrate the past through different events and days. Throughout the year we enjoy trips to a variety of places that are connected to the past. The study of History at Gladstone is both educational and fun. It develops an understanding of the past and brings the past and historical events to life. 

Themed days and Trips 

During the year we have various themed days and classrooms have specific themed areas that have links to History. Each year takes great pride in these areas as they help to bring the past to life and make it something that is relevant and tangible. Some of the places that we have visited are: Gladstone Pottery Museum, Creswell Craggs, The Brampton Museum, Ford Green Hall, The Space Centre and many more. 

History days

One-off events of significant historical importance are taught and celebrated, for example, the Queen’s Jubilee and anniversaries relating to World Wars I and II. At Gladstone, we remember Armistice Day annually with displays both inside the school and within the school grounds. We remember and honour “The Fallen” of long-past and recent conflicts.

Curriculum highlights

The British-focused history topics generally run in a chronological sequence from the Stone Age in Y2 to Celts & Romans and Anglo-Saxons in Y3 to Vikings in Y4. The final history unit in Y6 is a study of the Changing Power of the Monarchy, which revisits previous learning, introduces new monarchs to the taught curriculum and “pulls together” key aspects, for example, historical developments in power and government in our country.