The History curriculum aims to ensure that all students have a secure knowledge and understanding of the past based upon a coherent, chronological narrative.
We want to inspire pupils’ curiosities to know more about the past and learn to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, assess arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. Studying history will help students to understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time.
The History curriculum is chronologically sequenced, students across KS3 will study the history of Britain from Neolithic times to 20th Century, examining how people’s lives have changed over time and our relationship with other nations around the world. Students will also undertake studies of the wider world, in particular German and American history, examining key developments in the histories of both countries. The curriculum will also endeavour to explore the diversity of history, including topics on the Suffragettes, feminism, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Within the study of History, students will be able to gain understanding of key historical terminology which they will be able to articulate in their lessons, for example ‘Medieval’ and ‘chronology’. Throughout KS3 students will be able to gain an understanding of historical concepts, in particular cause and consequence, change and continuity and significance. They will be given opportunities to practice extended pieces of writing based upon these concepts, and to use them to make connections and contrasts, and to develop their own narrative accounts and conclusions.
Throughout the History curriculum there is ample opportunity for students to understand the methods of historical enquiry. Students will undertake source-based work, analysing the content and origin of evidence, and adding their contextual knowledge to support their answers. Students will also learn how to analyse and compare interpretations and explain why contrasting arguments about the past have been constructed.
By the end of KS3, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to help them succeed with the rigorous requirements of the GCSE exams, whilst at the same time providing students with an engaging, rich and diverse curriculum.
In
KS3, students study History 3 times per fortnight. Knowledge is delivered
in chronological order, with all staff following Long Term Plans. Lessons
will also cover historical concepts, source analysis and interpretations.
Formative assessment (for example Retrieval Practice) takes place every lesson
and there are summative assessments at the end of each year. By the end
of KS3, students will have an understanding of the breadth of History from the
11th Century to the present day. In KS4, we follow the AQA GCSE History course. Students study History 5 times across the fortnight, and at ICA students are assessed on the following topics:
Paper 1- Understanding the Modern World (50%)
- Germany 1890-1945
- Conflict and Tension: The First World
War 1894 – 1918
Paper 2: Shaping the Nation (50%)
- Elizabethan England 1558-1603
- Health & the People
Classes are mixed ability. All students receive
the same curriculum, but resources are adapted so that all students can make
progress. Students attempt exam style questions at least once a week and
at the end of each unit of work students complete a full GCSE-style
paper.
KS3 History
KS4 History
