In History at Key Stage 3 students extend and deepen their knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history, inspiring them to be curious historians.
Vision/Intent
Students are encouraged to be inquisitive, think critically, analyse sources, interpret evidence and form their own judgements of important events/time periods. The skills developed under this curriculum empower students to critically engage with their past and present whilst improving their communication skills and deepening their understanding of the world they live in.
During Year 7 and 8 students undertake two lessons of history a week.
Year 7
| Autumn Term 1 | Autumn Term 2 | Spring Term 1 | Spring Term 2 | Summer Term 1 | Summer Term 2 | |
| Big Question | Power struggles: Who was the most powerful monarch in medieval England? | |||||
| Year 7 | What is History?: Local study
Introduction to key History skills Students will look at Harpenden and the surrounding area |
How did a French Duke gain control of England?
Introduction to life in 1066 England Students cover the battle for the crown, the Battle of Hastings and William’s control in 1066 |
Who had the power in medieval England?
Analysis of the role of the church in medieval England Students explore Thomas Becket, King John, the Magna Carta, the Black Death and the Peasants Revolt |
Why did Henry break free from Rome?
Students evaluate why Henry broke from Rome including motives such as; power, money, religion and love |
Charles I: How did a king turn families against each other?
Students will explore and investigate the causes of the Civil War and discuss the question, how did the power/role of the monarch change in this period? |
Peterloo suffragettes: How did the people get power?
Students will apply their knowledge to a new historical event. In doing so, students will question and analyse how all people gained the vote |
Year 8
| Empire: How did the British Empire shape the world? | The 20th Century: What was life like for the ordinary person? | |||||
| Year 8 | British Empire – How did it begin?
Students gain an understanding of the British Empire and the impact it had on the world. This includes slavery and its impact
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Industrial Revolution: How did it change Britain forever?
To explore how Great Britain changed after 1750
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The causes of WW1: Why did the war begin?
Students will analyse and evaluate the causes of WW1 |
Ordinary Tommy: Why did General Haig kill so many people?
Students will gain knowledge of life in the trenches Students learn to utilise sources from the war to interpret the experience of the soldiers |
Holocaust: What was the Holocaust?
Students will gain an understanding of what the Holocaust was through the testimonies of those who experienced it |
Individual case studies on the late 20th Century
Students will study life after WW2 including; the establishment of the NHS, Windrush, Poll Tax and 9/11 |
Enrichment/Extra-Curricular
Students can access a range of additional resources through both Google Classroom and the Student Google Site to help develop their own emerging interest in History.
Additionally, P7 options offer a range of enrichment such as History Club and History Film Club. In the future, we hope to hear from external speakers such as Holocaust survivors and be able to visit places of historical significance on both day and residential trips.
