History Curriculum Rationale

It is our intent that the history curriculum will help pupils gain knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. It will also inspire pupils’ curiosity to learn more about the past and educate them against racism prejudice. As our pupils progress, they will be able to ask questions, think critically, use evidence, engage in debate, make judgements and learn to understand the views of others with the best possible degree of empathy. Students’ work will be differentiated appropriately to suit their needs. This includes using worksheets with an appropriate amount of text and visual support.

We want students to understand the complexity of people’s lives; the process of change; the diversity of societies and relationships between their own and different groups. Students will develop their understanding of their own identity and the challenges of their time.

They will know and understand the history of these islands as a coherent, chronological narrative, from 1066 to the present day. Students will learn how people’s lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by people from the wider world.

As they progress through Key Stage Three and Key Stage Four, students will develop their understanding of historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity and difference, and the significance of different events.

Students will draw contrasts, analyse trends, ask historical questions and create their own structured accounts, including written narratives and analysis. They will understand the methods of historical enquiry including how evidence is used to construct the past.

Students will learn how and why contrasting arguments and interpretations of the past have been constructed. They will gain an understanding of the connections between local, regional, national and international history; between cultural, economic, political, religious and social history.