Journeys

In this unit, the children will explore the question of why people go on a journey, and look at five very different types of journey in depth. The journeys selected span from the Tudor period to those undertaken today by refugees. The children begin by studying the voyages of Walter Raleigh, then the voyage of the Irish 3rd class passengers on the Titanic, before learning about the Kindertransport in World War Two and the voyage of the Empire Windrush. Finally, they will examine why refugees make dangerous journeys today. This approach supports the children
in developing their chronological understanding, and helps them gain a greater sense of period. The children will make links to the journeys made by those peoples already studied in earlier Key Stage 2 units, such as those covered in Year 4 Unit 2: Roman Britain, Year 5 Unit 1: The Anglo-Saxons and Year 5 Unit 2: The Vikings. They will also be prompted to remember the journeys made by the explorers studied in Year 1 Unit 2: The Greatest Explorers. The journeys here represent those made both to and from the United Kingdom. They differ between journeys made
by choice and journeys necessary for survival.

What can parents / carers do to support learning at home? 

• Look at maps and globes for places they know / may have visited. Compare distances between places and the best route to take to get there.
• Read stories of refugee stories such as 'Shadow' by Michael Morpurgo.