SUCCESS FOR ALL

HISTORY

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”.

Marcus Garvey

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Curriculum Overview

The History curriculum enables pupils to understand the past in order to make sense of the present and their place in the world. Pupils develop a secure chronological framework, strong disciplinary knowledge and the ability to think critically about evidence, interpretations and significance. The curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully sequenced to build historical understanding from Key Stage 3 through to GCSE.

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Curriculum Intent

The intent of the History curriculum is to ensure that pupils:

· Develop a secure chronological understanding of British and world history.

· Understand key historical concepts, including causation, consequence, change and continuity, similarity and difference, significance and interpretation.

· Learn how historians use evidence, including primary sources, to construct accounts of the past.

· Explore diverse perspectives and interpretations, developing balanced and critical thinking.

· Understand how historical events have shaped modern Britain and the wider world.

· Develop strong skills in analysis, evaluation and extended writing.

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The curriculum prepares pupils for success at GCSE History and equips them with transferable skills such as critical thinking, literacy and informed judgement.

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Curriculum Design and Sequencing

The History curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and historical thinking over time, revisiting and deepening key concepts across different periods and contexts.

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Key Stage 3 Progression

· In Year 7, pupils establish foundational historical skills through the study of medieval England, including the Norman Conquest, medieval life, monarchy and religion. Pupils explore connections between the East and West in the Middle Ages and consider the causes and consequences of religious conflict.

· In Year 8, pupils examine periods of significant change and challenge, including the English Civil War, the French Revolution, the British Empire and the First World War. Pupils develop their understanding of revolution, power and empire, alongside the use of historical interpretations.

· In Year 9, pupils explore modern global history, including the Russian Revolution, the Holocaust, the Second World War and post-war Britain. Local history is incorporated through studies of change on the home front, supporting contextual understanding.

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Key Stage 4 Progression

· In Year 10, pupils study thematic and depth units, including health and medicine over time, the Elizabethan era and key developments in early modern Britain. Pupils develop skills in using evidence to explain change and continuity over long periods.

· In Year 11, pupils study modern depth studies including Germany in Transition (1919–1939) and The Development of the USA, alongside international relations and peace in the modern world. The curriculum culminates in structured GCSE examination preparation.

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This sequencing ensures pupils progress from broad foundational knowledge to detailed, evaluative understanding of complex historical issues.

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Curriculum Implementation

The History curriculum is implemented through:

· Enquiry-based learning, framed around challenging historical questions.

· Explicit teaching of subject-specific vocabulary and concepts.

· Regular use of primary and secondary sources.

· Opportunities for extended historical writing and debate.

· Ongoing formative assessment to identify misconceptions and deepen understanding.

· Summative assessment aligned with GCSE History requirements.

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Teaching approaches support curiosity, critical thinking and academic rigour.

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Curriculum Impact

The impact of the History curriculum is demonstrated through:

· Pupils developing secure historical knowledge and strong analytical skills.

· Increased confidence in evaluating sources and interpretations.

· High-quality written responses using evidence and explanation.

· Strong outcomes in GCSE History.

· Pupils leaving with an informed understanding of the past and its relevance to contemporary society.

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Accessibility and Inclusion

The History curriculum is designed to be inclusive and accessible:

· Content is broken down into clear, manageable learning sequences.

· Visual sources, timelines and structured writing frames support understanding.

· Scaffolding and challenge ensure all pupils can engage with complex ideas.

· Diverse historical perspectives promote inclusion and representation.

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Through this inclusive approach, all pupils are supported to succeed and develop a meaningful understanding of History.

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Curriculum Map