In KS1 History lessons, important themes are introduced, which will continue to be built on throughout John Betts. The theme of invasion is introduced in Year 1 through the Pirates topic, where important skills like finding similarities and differences between historical figures are built upon. Additionally, the theme of conflict is introduced in Year 2 through the Florence Nightingale topic, where children learn about the Crimean War. Throughout KS1, historical skills are developed, including debating, investigating and comparing, to support pupils in KS2. Children have an awareness of key historical events, including the Great Fire of London and are given an insight into the role of the monarchy through the Castles unit.

The history curriculum at KS2 aims to provide pupils with a solid foundation and broad overview in some of the most important periods, events and times in British and world history. The curriculum gives pupils a strong understanding in British history, from the Stone Age through Roman Britain, the Anglo-Saxons, the Vikings, the Tudors, and up to the Victorians and Britain during World War II. While studying these periods, the units continue to explore themes of invasion, conflict and civilisation. The units exploring world history introduce a number of themes. The unit on Ancient Egypt introduces key themes of civilisation, while the Mayans and Ancient Greece topics give insight around power.