History

Our history curriculum enables students to develop and extend their knowledge and understanding of important key events, periods and societies in local, British, and wider world history; and of the wide diversity of human experience. We encourage students to investigate issues critically and to make valid historical claims by using a range of sources in their historical context.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

Our KS3 History curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity about the past and help pupils understand the world they live in today. We aim to equip all learners with a strong sense of chronology, a secure grasp of key historical concepts, and the confidence to question, analyse, and interpret evidence. Through studying a diverse range of periods, places, and people, pupils learn that history is not a fixed story but a discipline built on enquiry, debate, and multiple perspectives. We want pupils to develop the disciplinary habits of historians: asking thoughtful questions, weighing up causes and consequences, recognising change and continuity, evaluating significance, and understanding how interpretations are formed. By engaging with rich stories from British, European, and global history, pupils build cultural literacy and an appreciation of how different societies have interacted, conflicted, and influenced one another over time. 

Our curriculum aims to nurture empathy, respect, and critical thinking. Students explore the experiences of individuals and communities across time, including those whose voices have often been marginalised. They learn to challenge simplistic narratives, spot misconceptions, and understand how the past is used, and sometimes misused, in the present. Ultimately, our intent is for pupils to leave KS3 with a secure foundation of historical knowledge, the ability to think like a historian, and the enthusiasm to study history further. 

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

Our KS4 History curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for success in History GCSE using the Pearson Edexcel exam board. 

Building on strong foundations from KS3, pupils will learn to apply the core concepts in history and will deepen their knowledge of historical periods and themes. They will develop and extend their knowledge and understanding of specified key events, periods and societies in local, British, and wider world history. Pupils will also learn the disciplinary knowledge of history as another way to interact with the world. 

As well as leaving KS4 with a strong qualification in GCSE History, our intent is that this curriculum sets pupils up with the skills that will allow them to pursue a future in many related careers.