History Curriculum

Key Stage 3

Year 7

In Year 7 students, begin to develop their historical skills and understanding by studying the conquest of and migration to Britain up to 1066 and the changes experienced with each conquest from the Romans to the Normans. Following this, in order to further understand the Medieval world, students will be introduced to worldwide trade through the Silk Road, then learning about the consequences of this with the Black Death and Peasants Revolt in the 14^th Century. Students will then refocus on England, considering the extent of change in the Tudor period through understanding sources in order to compare the effects of the Dissolution of Monasteries and the Spanish Armada. Finally, in Year 7, students will focus on the consequences and significance of the Age of Exploration and the beginning of British settlement and Empire in the 17^th Century in Jamestown.

Year 8

By year 8 students will develop their understanding of empire and the historical interpretations which surround it through an investigation into Britain’s role in the slave trade, the conditions of enslaved people and the significance of the slave trade. Furthermore, historical skills will be further enhanced through a study of source utility through an investigation into the Industrial Revolution. To effectively understand the time period, there will be a focus on Whitechapel in London and the Jack the Ripper murders which took place there, so that students can grasp the concepts of poverty, crimes and punishments. Finally, in year 8, students will be introduced to the local study and focus on the impact of the First World War on Leeds. This will focus on the Leeds Pals battalion and members within it, investigating why the First World War began in 1914, the reasons for signing up, the importance of major battles and the end to the war in 1918.

Year 9

Within year 9 the challenge is increased, through a greater focus upon political history. Students are challenged in their use of historical sources and interpretations in a study of protest since the 1800s. This study of protest will engage students in the events of the Peterloo Massacre, role of the Chartist movement in gaining suffrage and the importance of the Suffragette movement in order to build understanding on the importance of democracy. Moreover, students will then study the importance of the Holocaust, considering the experiences of the people, the discrimination and persecution of individuals. Finally, in year 9, students will study the Cold War, supporting them in understanding some of the modern geopolitical challenges. This study will focus on the Cuban Missile Crisis and the extent of tension that existed between the major superpowers from the 1940s to 1970s.