Winston Churchill once stated, “Those who do not learn from History, are doomed to repeat it”. The History curriculum is designed to encourage students to develop a chronological understanding of how the world has developed and changed over time; socially, culturally, politically and economically.

In year 7, students start their studies with the ‘Roman Empire’ and how foreign influence shaped Britain throughout the rest of the time period in KS3. Students then focus on British history throughout the rest of the year, exploring how Britain became socially and politically united throughout the Middle Ages (from William the Conqueror to the Crusades), before exploring the changes made to Britain under the Tudor and Stuart Ages. Students will finalise the year by studying a local historic site (Stonehenge) and assess the differing historical interpretations surrounding the site’s purpose.

In year 8, students will start to study more topics on international history and their impact on Britain, starting with the transatlantic slave trade and its long-lasting impact in recent years. Students go on to study topics surrounding Empires and colonisation of countries abroad, including the Napoleonic Wars, the impact colonisation had on Britain and the respective colonised nations abroad (e.g. India). Year 8 continue to learn about the advancement of technology during the Industrial Revolution and the impact this had on people, such as workers, women (suffragettes), crime (Jack the Ripper) and other well-known events (e.g. the Titanic). Year 8 finalise the year by assessing how, and why, empires and advancement in technology led to the First World War and what it was like to serve in the trenches.

In year 9, students move onto twentieth century history, such as post-war America and Europe. Students will create links with the topics taught by assessing how the rise of dictatorships across Europe led to the Second World War and the Holocaust, whilst also studying the war and Holocaust in greater depth. Students finalise their year by studying post-World War II Europe (the Cold War), including the rivalry between the USA and Russia, in addition to the wars in Korea and Vietnam.