" The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.”

- Theodore Roosevelt

Key Stage 4 History Curriculum Intent

History entices curiosity about the past and develops a multitude of skills which will help pupils in later life. It gives young people the ability to develop an analytical and questioning nature through the validation and interpretation of sources. History improves written and verbal communication skills through the use of essays and debate, which puts them in good stead for higher education and / or future job prospects.

A high-quality history education will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world. It should inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past. Our curriculum equips pupils to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement. History helps pupils 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.

In Key Stage 4 History, we aim to deliver a varied and challenging curriculum to suit multiple learning styles. Our purpose is to encourage a passion for our subject alongside developing excellence of character, with a particular focus on empathy skills. Pupils study a range of breadth and depth topics from three eras: Medieval (500-1500), Early Modern (1450-1750) and Modern (1700-present day). This is to support students in learning more about the history of Britain and that of the wider world. We have picked topics to deepen their understanding of the people, periods and events studied and prepare them for a role as informed, thoughtful and active citizens.

Key Stage 4 - History Overview