History

Our curriculum is designed to give students the opportunity to study topics from a broad period of History (from the middle ages to the 20^th century) set within a clear chronological framework. At Key Stage 3 we teach them to understand how British politics, foreign policy, society and economy has affected, and been affected by, world events. We also give students the opportunity to diversify their studies to consider, for example, the importance of the Silk Roads trade routes and the medieval Islamic states, and the struggle for Civil Rights in America. Within our lessons we encourage students to engage with academic debate by exposing them to a range of current historical scholarship.  In order to embed students retrieval skills, schema and spaced practice in Year 9, we revisit time periods previously studied in y7 and 8  to consider different aspects, themes and significance, and so extend understanding as a foundation for KS4.

At KS4 our curriculum provides an overview, breadth and depth of topics across time and place from Elizabethan British History to 20^th century American History, the impact of the Cold War in Asia and the thematic study of Britain; health and the people from the middle ages to the present day. GCSE History prepares students for the future, equipping them with skills and knowledge that will increase their employability and foster a lifelong love of learning. We provide a wealth of opportunities for students to grapple with difficult and challenging concepts; historical, analytical and conceptual. History at KS4 builds on the contextual understanding students gain from their studies in the KS3 years, and the skills they developed.