History Curriculum
“To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child. For what is the worth of human life, unless it is woven into the life of our ancestors by the records of history?” – Cicero, 46BC
Rationale:
Studying History builds coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. It provides a basis from which pupils can gain a better sense of their own identity. At St Patrick’s we inspire pupils to frame their own valid historical questions, think critically, weigh evidence and develop perspective and judgment. We want pupils to understand why the past has been interpreted differently and evaluate these interpretations. Pupils will engage with historical concepts and key terms in a range of contexts. They will develop fluency in both their thinking and writing so that they can articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively. We seek to foster engagement through a study of diverse History that will enhance their lives in and beyond the classroom.
Pupils will gain a chronologically secure knowledge of British, local and world history. This will enable them to make sense of the new knowledge they acquire and will provide a well-informed context for their wider learning. Depth studies will enhance understanding of the complexity of specific aspects of content. Overview topics will help pupils appreciate the long arc of development across areas of content, fostering a sense of period and genuine connection with the bigger picture.
Finally, our History curriculum is designed to help pupils think, read, and write like historians. Through engaging with key historical concepts such as cause and consequence, change and continuity, and significance, pupils gain a deeper understanding of the past.
Implementation:
At key stage 3 we follow the National curriculum for History, which includes studies from the following areas:
- the development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509.
- the development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745.
- ideas, political power, industry and empire: Britain, 1745-1901.
- challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day.
- a local history study.
- the study of an aspect or theme in British history that consolidates and extends pupils’ chronological knowledge from before 1066.
- at least one study of a significant society or issue in world history and its interconnections with other world developments.
At key stage 4 we follow the AQA GCSE History course. This includes the following thematic, depth and period studies:
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Russia, 1894–1945: Tsardom and communism
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Conflict and tension: the First World War, 1894–1918
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Britain: Health and the people: c1000 to the present day
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Elizabethan England, c1568–1603
Information about this course can be found at AQA GCSE History (8145)
What enrichment opportunities do we offer in History?:
We endeavour to promote a love and passion for History by ensuring our pupils have a wealth of enrichment opportunities.
We offer a range of activities for pupils to get involved in; including site visits and guest speakers. Our schemes of learning embed skills and knowledge to equip our pupils to develop cultural capital.
We believe these activities develop pupil oracy, and also give our pupils opportunities to speak publicly in front of audiences to support the development of confident speaking and listening skills.
How can the study of History support pupils beyond school?:
History is important because it provides perspective from which pupils can make sense of their present. The study of History at St Patrick’s encourages analysis, reflection and critical thinking, these are skills which are valued greatly in further education and employment.
Moreover, our broad and knowledge-rich curriculum supports pupils in becoming better citizens through the promotion of British values. It teaches our pupils to cherish democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
The subject provides a strong foundation for any job or profession that involves communication, writing and/or literary knowledge. These include advertising and marketing, writing and journalism, law, teaching, performing arts, government, linguistics, foreign languages, media and design.
