History
Intent and Aims
We want all students to develop a curiosity for the past and to develop a historical framework that helps them to understand the world in which they live. History will develop their critical thinking through an analysis and evaluation of the past.
History is more than just a collection of dates and facts; it helps 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. We want all students to leave enthused and inspired by history, with a broad narrative of British and world history and a range of historical concepts and skills that create critical thinkers. We want our learners to understand the process of change, to see how we arrived ‘here’ and help them to make sense of the present. Students will explore the big stories of power, everyday life and global connections through time from the Romans to present day, through a range of interesting topics drawn from the history of Britain, Europe and the wider world.
We draw heavily upon the National Curriculum and exam specifications but we also look to create an even challenging and ambitious curriculum by going beyond this either within the classroom or through homework activities. This curriculum provides students with a historical framework to understand the importance of being respectful, considerate and open-minded citizens who have a sense of pride in the diverse world in which they live. Our Curriculum allows students to build, revisit and develop the key skills valued by historians including cause and consequence, change and continuity, significance, interpretation and source enquiry skills.
In the History Department we strive for excellence in all that we do. We want our students to aspire to lifelong learning in history be that through books, documentaries and films and excellence in an academic study of History at GCSE, A level and University.