Our History curriculum is designed to reflect and foster a community where every student feels they belong by seeing their own story reflected in the narratives of the past, while also learning to understand and value the stories and experiences of others. As a department we believe that a critical understanding of history is essential for creating informed, empathetic and active citizens within our school and wider community.
The curriculum is designed to align with and support the schools core value of belonging and community. We do this by exploring identity and empathy which directly impacts connection for pupils within our school. Students explore local, national and global histories to understand how diverse peoples and cultures have shaped our present, allowing them to recognise their personal place in the world and the story of the wider world. We also focus on developing critical thinking which promotes mutual respect between our students. We teach students the vital skills of analysing sources, challenging assumptions and carefully considering multiple perspectives on complex historical events. This creates a respectful environment for students where they can engage in thoughtful conversations and debates.
Throughout our history teaching we prioritise building historical skills where students acquire disciplinary skills including chronological understanding, evaluating evidence and effective communication. These tools are essential for making sense of information and for participating fully and confidently in both historical and contemporary discussions as informed and engaged members of our community. We bring these ideals to life through focus on diverse narratives ensuring our studies of history include the histories of women, ethnic minorities and working class people locally and globally which makes the curriculum relatable and representative for all students. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5 to build on prior knowledge, allowing students to make meaningful connections between different eras, cultures and themes. To ensure students experience a broad and varied curriculum, we study a range of different topics, including World Before Empire, Revolutions around the world, World wars and forgotten stories, the Holocaust, and changes through time (e.g., Medicine Through Time).
Our ambition as a History department is to deliver a curriculum to our students which fills them with genuine wonder and awe about the past, and equips them with the skills they need to be successfully functioning and contributing members of our society in their future lives and always pushing them to be the best they can be. By the end of their history education we aim for our students to be confident in communicating their ideas, possessing a strong chronological framework and understanding of historical concepts, and to be empathetic citizens in our school community.
