History

Intent

Our history curriculum introduces students to a fascinating cast of influential characters from William the Conqueror to Ghandi, Boudicca to Elizabeth I, Martin Luther King to Churchill, and many more besides. Our students learn about a wide range of moments in history so that they can understand Britain’s place in the world today. Through gaining knowledge of people and events of the past, our students become inquisitive historians who begin to understand a diverse range of issues from the development of rights in the UK to the causes and consequences of wars around the world. We find out about turning points in history and challenge stereotypes as we encounter them. Through increasing their knowledge of history, our students are equipped to be active citizens who understand the magnitude of actions and decisions. 

 
In lessons, we gain knowledge of the history of our country including the Roman invasion of Britain, the expansion of the British Empire, Immigration, Tudor Britain, social change including Women’s Liberation, Race Relations and the LGBTQ+ community as well as the first and second world wars and the impacts of both.. We consider issues such as protest and the changing nature of war, social reform and the role of women in different societal contexts. In doing so, we aim to develop understanding of the consequences of actions and words. We also gain knowledge of World history including the rise of African kingdoms, the slave trade and its abolishment, immigration, human rights, discrimination and persecution, Civil Rights in the USA, The impact of the British Empire and The Silk Roads. 

How our subject contributes to students’ personal development  

Through our history curriculum, our students develop the ability to describe and explain events that have taken place. They learn how to analyse sources and synthesize information, identify the reliability of evidence and draw everything together to reach justified conclusions. These skills equip them for a future in which there is more information available than ever before where we must become judicious consumers of information. 

Enrichment Opportunities and Wider Support 

• Termly wider reading suggestions 

• Trip to Ypres 

• Trip to Hampton Court 

• Trip to National Army Museum 

• Workshops with Hands On History 

• Bi-annual trip to New York