Curriculum
History
Why study history?
Understanding past events and people and their significance gives students a better insight into the world around them. We believe in the importance of not just learning history but learning from history. The study of History equips pupils with the ability to critically analyse source material, assess the merits of different arguments, hone their debating skills, and recognise bias and propaganda.
How will I study History?
Pupils study History through big enquiry questions. Each enquiry covers a sequence of lessons. At the end of that sequence of lessons pupils are equipped to formulate their own answer to the enquiry. These are genuine historical debates amongst academic historians. Pupils learn historical concepts that are revisited regularly in different periods of time, locations and people allowing pupils to gain a deeper understanding. Alongside this, pupils learn to be historians developing their disciplinary knowledge understanding methods of historical enquiry, how evidence is used to make historical claims and understand why there are different interpretations of the past.
What will I study at Key Stage 3?
In Year 7, pupils explore historical enquiries that span the Roman to Tudor period. This includes:
- How did the two biggest religions (Islam and Christianity) in the medieval co-exist?
- Historical enquiries that explore how the Romans established rule in England after failing twice
- If the Normans brought trouble to Britain
- The significance of the Magna Carta
- If 1348 really was the end of the world
- The Hundred Years War
- Was there a Mid Tudor Crisis or was it a period of trauma and survival?
In Year 8, pupils move through the study of Mughal India and end at Britain’s industrial revolution. Pupils explore enquiries that cover:
- Who was the greatest Mughal of them all?
- How modern was Britain by 1789?
- Were the ‘Divine Right of Kings’ – the will of the people or the will of God?
- How did the British lead the French into revolution?
- Did the abolition of slavery end slavery?
- Why is the British Empire on trial? Was there an Indian mutiny or a war of independence?
- Which better describes the Industrial Revolution: Dark satanic mills’ or ‘progress and improvement?’
In Year 9, pupils move into the twentieth century to present day. Historical enquiries explore:
- Was the First World War worth winning?
- How far did new ideas cause conflict?
- Why were the Nazis able to implement the Final Solution?
- How democratic was Britain by 1930?
- Why did the British Empire decolonise?
- World History Study
What will I study at Key Stage 4?
At Key Stage 4, pupils take a Modern depth study on Germany 1890-1945. Pupils study Weimar and Nazi Germany. This covers the Weimar Republic, Hitler’s rise to power, Nazi control and dictatorship, life in Nazi Germany.
As a thematic study, pupils study conflict and Tension 1918-1939. This explores ideas about:
- The peace treaties of 1919-1923
- The establishment of the League of Nations
- The Road to War
As a British depth study, pupils explore Norman England 1066-1100. Pupil will explore how England was before 1066 and the impact of the Norman Conquest. This will lead pupils to investigate how life under the Normans was like., and the changes they had made Pupils will also explore Norman influence on religion and the establishment of monasteries.
In addition, pupils undertake a period study focusing on Britain: Health and the people c 1000-Present day. This covers how medicine was like in Medieval England and the factors that contributed to its change during the 1500s. Pupils will also explore how medicine was revolutionised by the 1800s and how it had shaped modern day medicine.
Assessment at Key Stage 4
History AQA 8145
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Written exam (2 hours) 84 marks 50% of GCSE |
Section A: Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship Section B: Conflict and tension 1918-1939 |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Written exam (2 hours) 84 marks 50% of GCSE |
Section A: Britain: Health and the people c1000-Present Day Section B: Norman England 1066-1100 |
Enrichment
The department offers a range of educational visits throughout the year such as a visit to The Liverpool Slavery Museum, Bristol Slavery Museum, The Imperial War Museum and an Elizabethan historical site. In lessons, History is brought to life through re-enactments, the exploration of artefacts, original film footage and model making. Pupils can take part in school-wide competitions to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. The department also puts on live History exhibitions brining to life stories of the past through the display of food, culture, architectures, clothing, and art. The department works with external agencies to provide out of the classroom projects such as, the development of Lady Pool Road, lost communities and Migration project. Furthermore, Intervention sessions are provided to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.
Careers
The study of History can lead to future careers ranging from Researcher, Museum Archivist and Journalist to Librarian, Business Consultant and Editor. Famous History graduates include Louis Theroux (documentary filmmaker, author), Jonathan Ross (TV presenter), Joe Biden (US President) and Gordon Brown (ex-British Prime Minister).
Useful Resources and Revision Support
