Key Stage 3 Programme of Study
Year 7
Autumn Term – Basic skills in History: chronology, evidence, causation and change
Autumn Term – Britain 1066-1500: Saxon England and Norman Conquest
Spring term - Britain 1066-1500: Medieval monarchy and Medieval people
Summer Term – Britain 1066-1500: Medieval Church and Crusades.
Year 8
Autumn term - Britain 1500-1750: Tudor monarchy and religious change
Spring Term – Britain 1500-1750: Rise of Parliament and the English Civil War
Summer Term – Britain 1750-1900: Social and economic change in Britain and the British Empire.
Year 9
Autumn Term – Britain 1750-1900: Black Peoples of the Americas and the American Revolution/
Indigenous Peoples of North America
Spring Term – The World after 1900: World War I
Summer Term-The World after 1900: World War 2 and its consequences.
Attainment Target and Assessment in KS3
There is a single attainment target called ‘History’ with 8 level descriptors, plus EP (Exceptional Performance). This will provide a summary of performance and allows teachers to judge which level best describes a student’s performances. At the end of KS3 pupils should be within the range of 3 to 7, Level 8 and EP being reserved for the very able students.
Cross Curricular Skills and Themes
Integrated into each study unit will be the following cross-curricular skills and themes.
a) Citizenship
b) Environmental Education
c) Economic and Industrial Understanding
d) Health Education
e) Career Education and Guidance
Of course, certain of the above cross-curricular themes, especially Citizenship and Economic and Industrial Understanding have a greater contribution to make in some study units than in others. Similarly, certain themes are more suited to certain study units for example, the unit of ‘Britain 1750-1900’ studied in Year 9 provides an excellent opportunity to enhance pupils’ understanding of economic and industrial themes. Likewise, the theme of Citizenship is best served in the study units concerning the modules on ‘Black Peoples of the Americas’ and the ‘American Revolution’ where the emphasis will be on the themes of freedom, equality, rights and representation. The development of British democracy with the British Empire and the origins of our multi-cultural society will be highlighted and investigated in years 7 and 8.
Multi-Cultural Dimension
Within KS3 the study of the rise in the Muslim Empire and the conflict with the Christian West will focus on the achievements of the Islamic nation between the 7th-16th centuries. We will also investigate the development of the Slave Trade and its impact on the world today. The study of the Holocaust investigates institutionalised racism at its worst and the lessons we must learn so that such a calamity does not happen again.
Information Technology
The use of word processing, databases, historical sources and historical simulations all provide an alternative learning experience, which for many is very stimulating and rewarding. We have built in many ICT opportunities in KS3 and 4. For example, one of our assessments in year 9 is a database assignment on the effect of World War I on Maidenhead.
Differentiation and equal opportunities
The History Department aims to encourage pupils of different backgrounds and abilities to demonstrate what they know, understand and are able to do within the subject. We also endeavour to provide tasks which are accessible to all pupils by:
a) tailoring teaching approaches and processes to the different learning needs of individual pupils;
b) providing a range of teaching approaches;
c) giving space for individual work;
d) differentiation by outcome;
e) breaking down tasks into discrete steps.
As part of our recent work with the EAL staff we have been developing resources and teaching strategies for students who have English as a second language. Much of this work will also help students with learning difficulties. We have also looked carefully at our assessment policy at KS3 and built into the assessment process strategies which will help EAL and SEN students. Also many of the tasks have been left open ended to allow bright students to excel and fulfil their potential. This ensures inclusion of all students into the learning process.