History Overview

The aim of the History curriculum is to provide the literacy and oracy skills needed, to develop into successful learners by the end of KS3, 4 and beyond-into the world of work. We aim to do this in the most engaging and stimulating way using a variety of topics from local, national and international History.

History is a subject that allows students to learn about the past, by studying the evidence that people have left behind. Students will discover how History helps us to understand the way the past has shaped the present. The study of History teaches many skills and deals with important ideas. It encourages students to develop their own views on important issues and to be able to support opinions with clear thinking and convincing evidence.

Opportunities are provided to study history from a variety of perspectives including political, social, economic and cultural.

The curriculum is sequenced in order to provide a varied ‘diet’ of topics prior to the students opting at the end of year 8. Assessments at KS3 also mirror the questions set at GCSE level, albeit at a level suitable, so all can access and develop their skills.

The curriculum has completely changed over the last 3 years. This is centred around our values to provide the best Historical education, to suit the needs of all who attend Trentham Academy.

The curriculum changes we’ve made have been shared with all stakeholders and we have regular opportunities to highlight specific aspects such as ‘British Values’. Our curriculum conforms with all aspects of the National Curriculum.

The KS3 History curriculum is a rigorous, enquiry-led course that develops both the historical knowledge and historical skills of our students. Throughout Years 7 and 8, the students will develop their understanding of:

• Causation
• Significance
• Interpretations
• Evidence
• Change and Continuity
• Similarity and Difference

This will ensure the students enter KS4 with well-rounded academic qualities that can be transferred to GCSE study, History or otherwise. These six skills are developed in conjunction with a key enquiry question, covering the following topics:

• Historical skills and the Romans
• The Norman Conquest
• The Tudors
• The Industrial Revolution and local History Study
• The Russian Revolution
• The British Empire
• Slavery
• World War 1
• Hitler and Germany
• World War 2

As a result, the students will have knowledge of a varied collection of historical time periods, as well as rounded historical skills. Through our studies, we promote literacy, reading for pleasure, and a thirst for knowledge.

Where can History take me?

History Department

Mr W Bailey – Subject Leader

Mrs N Barr – Teacher

 History specification (all cohorts)

Course Outline

Paper 1: Thematic study and Historic Environment

• Medicine in Britain, c1250–present
and The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches.

Paper 2: Period study and British Depth Study

• The American West
• Anglo-Saxon and Norman England 1066-1088

Paper 3: Modern Depth Study

• Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39