History

Knowledge of History is critical to the development of a child’s understanding of both the immediate society of which he or she is part, and of the wider world society. The past influences all aspects of our lives. It shapes attitudes, beliefs and customs of the communities in which we live. History can offer pupils a sense of time, sequence, change and chronology. This knowledge allows a greater understanding about human situations. Therefore learning about the past through taking part in historical investigations, arguments and debates helps pupils’ make sense of the world in which we live.

Studying History in the National Curriculum develops a range of skills and is based upon a number of conceptual foundations reflected in key elements of chronological awareness, historical knowledge and understanding, interpretations of History, historical enquiry and organisation and communication.

Pupils will investigate and develop these concepts including evidence, interpretation, time, chronology, sequence, cause, motive, consequence, change, continuity, similarity, difference, process and regression.

The main aims of the course are:

• Develop an understanding of how the past explains the present and pupils’ sense of time, sequence, change and chronology

• Develop pupils’ use of historical evidence and the ability to handle it critically

• Develop pupils’ capacity to use the concepts of cause and consequence

• Investigate important cultural, social and political issues with sensitivity to the range of attitudes and values

• Develop an understanding of some of the important characteristics of significant events and personalities in the past

• Develop awareness and appreciation of the ethnic, cultural, economic and political diversity of human society

• To encourage the production of clear, accurate and well presented work

• To demonstrate an understanding of subject specific words and general vocabulary acquisition and comprehension

• To demonstrate recall and application of information

• Develop pupils’ awareness of the different geographical dimensions of human experience from the local to the global

• Assessment will take place on a regular basis, usually at the end of each unit of study

Year 7

The course covers medieval and Islamic civilisations to examine the changing power of the monarch and the church, what life was like and the impact of significant events.

There is the opportunity for History trips to Stansted Mountfitchett and Rochester castle.

Autumn Term

• What is History and why is History important?

• The Norman Conquest

• How did William keep control?

• The importance of castles and why did castle design change

• The siege of Rochester castle

Spring term

• What was life like in medieval times?

• The changing role of the monarch and the church

• The making of the United Kingdom

• Was the Black Death a disaster?

• The long and short term effects of the Peasants’ revolt 1381

Summer Term

• The Hundred Years Wars

• Islamic Civilisations

• The Holy Wars