How to develop pupils’ understanding of chronology at key stages 1 and 2
Section 2: How do pupils make progress in chronological understanding?
Across key stages 1 and 2, pupils will make progress in two broad areas of chronological understanding.
The vocabulary of chronological understanding
This incorporates:
- descriptive vocabulary, eg before, after, a long time ago, a very long time ago, ancient, old, new, decade, century, millennium, modern
- technical vocabulary, eg AD, BC, the use of nineteenth century for 1845;
- conceptual vocabulary, eg change, continuity, sequence, duration, period, chronology.
Developing the language of chronology is most important if pupils are to fully appreciate historical people, periods and events. However, teachers should also ensure that when employing phrases such as a long time ago, a very long time ago and the past that pupils understand what period of time is being referred to. Otherwise, pupils’ understanding of the phrase ‘a long time ago’ can easily range from one month ago to 16 billion years.
By the end of key stage 2 pupils should be able to:
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ii. Knowledge and understanding of chronological order
Within the key stage 1 and 2 programmes of study this can be divided into:
- placing events and objects in a chronological order
- placing events, people and changes into correct periods of time.
To be able to do this, pupils must have a knowledge and understanding of:
- the vocabulary of time (descriptive, technical and conceptual)
- basic chronological sequences
- an ability to place events, people and changes within a correct historical framework
- the chronological relationships between events, people and changes and the present day
- the chronology of some major events.
Developing knowledge and understanding of chronology is fundamental to
the enhancement of pupils’ understanding of history.
This is required by the history attainment target, which asks pupils to identify differences between ways of life at different times. In addition, pupils should:
This is required by the history attainment target, which asks pupils
to use common words and phrases relating to the passing of time. |
Within key stage 2 pupils should:
A requirement of the history attainment target is that pupils should use dates and vocabulary relating to the passing of time and be able to describe and make links between the main events, situations and changes within and across the different periods and societies studied. Knowing and understanding how to use dates enables pupils to sequence events, people and periods in a precise and accurate way. An understanding of the detailed chronology of some events is also
essential for developing explanations of why events unfolded as
they did. |
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