Please note: this article pre-dates the current National Curriculum and some content, references and links may be outdated. For more recent content see our Brunel scheme of work and George Stephenson scheme of work.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) have recently published new Schemes of Work for all subjects. Included within these schemes is a history scheme which focuses on the life of Brunel. Why do we remember Isambard Kingdom Brunel? Is an example of how teachers may choose to adapt an existing scheme to develop a curriculum more responsive to their children’s needs and interests. Whilst Brunel provides a focus for study at KS1, KS2 children will also find studying his life useful in developing their knowledge and understanding of ways of life during the Victorian period...