History

The History curriculum ensures that all students have equitable access to an ambitious and knowledge-rich understanding of the past. High expectations underpin learning, enabling students to think critically, question evidence and develop a secure sense of chronology.

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build historical knowledge over time, enabling students to understand key events, individuals and developments in local, national and global contexts. Concepts such as causation, consequence, similarity and difference are revisited and deepened, supporting coherent historical understanding.

Students are taught to analyse sources, evaluate interpretations and construct reasoned arguments supported by evidence. Through debate and enquiry, they learn to challenge assumptions and consider diverse perspectives.

History develops analytical thinking, communication and reasoning skills that extend beyond the classroom. By the time students leave school, they are confident historians with the knowledge and skills to understand the present through the lens of the past and to engage thoughtfully as informed citizens.

Topics covered year by year:

Year 7:

• Local history – Sturminster Mill leading to Migration
• Urbanisation – Change/Continuity
• Maiden Castle – Historical Interpretation
• Why was Matilda denied the throne? – Challenge for the throne; Norman invasion; Battle of Hastings; establishment of power and control; monarchies of William II and Henry I; Matilda challenged by Stephen for control

Year 8:

• Why did Henry VIII break from Rome?
• Elizabeth In Danger – Significance
• Spanish Armada
• James I and the Gunpowder Plot
• The English Civil War – Cause & Consequence (The Great Fire of London)

Year 9:

• How far have attitudes changed towards the slave trade? Historical Interpretations
• Was the Industrial Revolution really progress? Source Evaluation
• Jack The Ripper – primary source evidence
• Measuring Significance – events of 1912
• How did protest lead to progress? Cause & Consequences , Suffragette Movement
• How did World War One start?

Year 10:

• Living Under Nazi Rule – rise to power; life in Nazi Germany; Opposition; Persecution
• Viking Expansion 750-1066 – Homelands; Volga Vikings; raiders and traders; expansion in the West; Viking kings
• The People’s Health (START) – Living Conditions; Key characters; epidemics and diseases in the following time periods: The Middle Ages; Early Modern; Industrial Era and Twentieth Century.

Year 11:

• The People’s Health (CONTINUE) – Living Conditions; Key characters; epidemics and diseases in the following time periods: The Middle Ages; Early Modern; Industrial Era and Twentieth Century.
• The Elizabethans – power & propaganda; Catholic Threat; daily lives; Merrie England; explorers
• History Around Us – Portchester Castle