The aims of our key stage three history curriculum is to develops students’ knowledge and understanding of the history of Britain and the wider world. Students will understand and use abstract terms such as ‘empire’, ‘parliament’ and ‘peasantry.’ Throughout each key stage, our lessons build students’ understandings of key historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance. Students will be able to understand how evidence is used rigorously to make historical claims and use information critically, no matter the source or interpretation. Our students will be able to use their skills to make connections, draw contrasts and analyse trends. The nature of our subject is enquiry based and each module builds towards students forming judgements and answering a key enquiry question. Students will be able to frame historically-valid questions and explain their own substantiated judgements on historical study. The study of history will improve students’ literacy as lesson activities include creating structured accounts, including written narratives and analyses of events. Our curriculum at KS3 promotes the academy values, especially the core values of Respect, Compassion, Aspiration and Equality. Through the study of British History, students will have a greater understanding of the country they live in and the way it has changed over time. Our curriculum is inclusive and diverse in its study of world history, allowing students to develop an appreciation of historical empathy and understand their own place within a larger human story which goes beyond the British Isles.
Year 7
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Year 8
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Year 9
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Why study this subject?
History is a traditional academic subject that is well respected by higher education institutions and employers. It is an important subject to study for careers in Law and politics and the transferable skills developed through the study of History can be applied to any modern day career. History broadens your understanding of the past and the world that we live in today. It allows you to look at the most dramatic and troubled periods in human History and to gain a perspective about why an event happened and its consequences. A GCSE in History is also perfect preparation for A-Levels because it prepares you for the higher level of analysis, thought and argument required to be successful academically.
What will I learn?
During this course you will study the following units:
How will I be assessed?
Your class work and homework will be regularly marked and feedback given will ensure you know how to improve your progress and attainment. You will always know what grade you are working at and how to improve your performance and progress. The course involves three external examinations:
What qualifications will I get at the end of the course?
At the end of the course you will get a GCSE in History at a grade that reflects your work ethic and commitment.
What can this qualification lead to afterwards?
Qualifications in History lead to a wide range of career opportunities often relating to the highly desirable skills acquired by studying history for example solicitors and barristers, public services, politicians, managers, etc.
Post-16 Progression
A-Level History is a challenging yet exciting post-16 option open to those who achieve good grades in GCSE History and English. History provides a strong academic background for those students going on to do degrees in subjects such as Law, English, Journalism, Social Sciences, Humanities, Politics, Media, Psychology and many more.
Where can I find out more about this qualification?
You can speak to any member of the History department for more information on the course or look at http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse-history-b-schools-history-project-j411-from-2016/
King Edward VI Academy Trust Birmingham is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Registered number 10654935. Registered office: Foundation Office, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham, B15 2UD. Academy tel: 0121 464 4428.