History
KS3 intent and Rationale:
Each scheme of learning looks at a historical event and as such students develop a sense of chronology and an understanding of how the past has shaped the modern world we live in. The teaching of the subject through the study of historical eras allows learning to include a variety of point of views and cultures. In this way, pupils can develop an in-depth understanding of both their own identity and of others. Each period of time creates the opportunity to develop second-order concept that foster pupils’ critical thinking. The curriculum forms a spiral – we revisit each of the historical skills within history during each year and the students add breadth and depth each time. This allows the students to apply each concept within a different context and creates broad schemas of understanding between historical periods. This also allows “time to forget” and gives multiple opportunities for recall questioning to strengthen understanding and fits well alongside The Mandeville School’s Teaching & Learning policy.
Similarities and differences – this skill enable pupils to appreciate the variety of experiences, avoiding generalisations and stereotypes.
Change and continuity – Pupils will learn how to analysing trends and turning points over time, examining the varying pace, direction, reception, extent and nature of changes.
Cause and consequence – This skill will enable pupils to examine the conditions that made some events possible and the outcome of these events. This historical concept will also enable them to understand the long-term links amongst different historical eras, reinforcing their schemas.
Significance – This skill will enable pupils to understand the value and purpose of studying the past and how the importance of these events has changed in time depending on the perspective from which that event is subsequently viewed.
Sources and interpretations – Pupils will know how history is written and validated within the subject community. This will in turn equip them to make sense of or to discriminate between conflicting claims about the past
In the final year of KS3 students are prepared for KS4 with a unit focused on change and continuity that will be applied at end of Year 9 in a GCSE unit, providing a strong base on which students can progress to learn at GCSE.
KS4 Intent and Rationale:
The KS4 History curriculum builds on the knowledge and skills our pupils acquire through our KS3 curriculum.
In history students investigate the origin of issues affecting the world and people’s lives. They are given the tools to make sense of our collective identity and cultural capital and of a complex and dynamically changing world. They will also be well-equipped to challenge misinformation and develop their informed opinion.
The KS4 curriculum focuses on the provision of knowledge and challenging pupils. Our curriculum is one in which knowledge is not merely encountered but comprehended and remembered. This is ensured through consistent application of retrieval practice principles and to ensuring that pupils are equipped with the language to engage with topics in a meaningful way. At all times we are seeking to equip students with new language with which to describe and analyse historical events. This enables students to clearly demonstrate their understanding of the subject and to apply second-order concepts in new contexts.
