History

Ms E de la Mare Head of Humanities
Mr E Sharp

Intent of the History Curriculum

KS3: In history, we want to bring the past to life for students, in order for them to think about what life was like for real people who lived real lives. We also want to get students to become more confident in how they use the key history skills of describing, explaining and analysing. Students will be able to explain the importance of people using the ‘Explain Chain’; describe in detail using key terms and detailed facts; use sources to find out about the past and then analyse them to decide how useful they are.

KS4: Students become independent in their learning by researching and finding out content themselves, this will range from Medieval medicine to the Cold War. This will leave more time in class for debate and developing history skills in relation to their upcoming exams. Students will be able to explain the importance of people using the ‘Explain Chain’; describe in detail using key terms and detailed facts; use sources to find out about the past and then analyse them to decide how useful they are; discussion of different interpretations and what effects people’s interpretations.

Implementation of the History Curriculum

KS3: We use a range of sources to let students see into the past. We always encourage empathy and occasionally get students to re-enact the past! Each year group goes on a trip away from school, which really helps them understand their topics better, such as Warwick Castle and the Black Country Museum. Students are introduced to exam questions early in order to give them time to become confident in how to approach them.

KS4: Students can interact with the teacher in different ways in order to find out information themselves and be more self-reflective. For example, the department has its own Youtube channel with videos about topics and exam skills.

Impact of the History Curriculum

Students can make links between the modern day world and the past. This, in turn, helps students empathise with people, question the world around them and learn from past mistakes. Our students will also be able to self-reflect on their own work and look for ways to improve on their own.