History

At St Benedict’s we believe students deserve a broad and ambitious history curriculum,
rich in skills and knowledge, which immerses our students in a range of cultures and creates an enquiring and critical outlook on the world and modern society.

In order to achieve this, our history lessons are enquiry based and require our students to investigate a complex issue each lesson.  We aim to create a love of history by providing a range of learning opportunities through a range of different tasks – your child could be taking part in a debate one lesson and then playing the part of a historical character the next!

At St Benedict’s we are very lucky to have a rich and diverse student population and we have made great strides within the curriculum to ensure that students learn a history which is relevant to them.

At St Benedict’s the history curriculum meets these aims:

-          Developing a love and understanding of history

-          Awareness of the histories of different cultures and societies

-          Opportunities that allow students to stretch and challenge themselves

-          A broad and challenging curriculum which develops strong literacy and historical skills

In Key Stage 3 history, students embark on an exciting journey through time, exploring the fascinating stories of the past. From exploring the experiences of the first Britons to the Windrush generation, and from the impact of the Black Death to the harrowing World Wars, students dive deep into the rich tapestry of history. Through interactive lessons, engaging activities, and thought-provoking discussions, students sharpen their critical thinking skills and uncover the hidden gems of the past. By the end of Key Stage 3, students emerge as history buffs, ready to conquer the complexities of the past and ignite a passion for learning that will last a lifetime.

Studying history is like unlocking a treasure trove of wisdom that can guide our students on their journey into the future.  History isn't just about memorising dates and events - by learning about past events, our students develop critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and a deeper understanding of cause and effect. History allows us to unravel the mysteries of human nature and uncover the secrets of our shared heritage, which teaches valuable lessons about human behaviour, decision-making, and the consequences of actions. Through the lens of history, our students can develop critical thinking skills, and both a local and global perspective that will empower them to navigate the modern world with confidence and insight. Additionally, studying history fosters empathy and a broader perspective, enabling our students to appreciate diverse cultures, traditions, and viewpoints. By understanding the mistakes and successes of the past, we can apply these lessons to navigate challenges, solve problems, and shape a better future for our students and society as a whole.  So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a thrilling time-travelling expedition through the annals of history!

 Home learning at KS3

Typically, students in KS3 can expect to be set history home learning once per fortnight.  Usually this will be to carry out some additional research or to find a ‘Did you know?’ on the topics we are studying.  Students will also be given the opportunity to complete assessments and extended writing tasks which have been started in the lesson.

What can parents/carers do to support at home?

Parents can play a crucial role in supporting their child's history learning at home by incorporating fun and interactive activities into their daily routine. Here are some suggestions:

1. Encourage curiosity: Encourage your child to ask questions about historical events and figures that pique their interest. Help them research and explore topics that fascinate them.

2. Visit museums and historical sites: Take your child on educational outings to museums, historical sites, and exhibitions to bring history to life. Encourage them to ask questions and engage with the exhibits.

3. Watch historical documentaries or movies together as a family to spark discussions about different time periods and events. This can help your child visualise and understand historical contexts better.

4. Read historical fiction and non-fiction books tailored to their interests and reading level – there are many options available in our school library! Encourage them to discuss what they've learned and share their thoughts with you.

5. Discuss current events in a historical context – BBC Newsround is a great resource for children to keep up to date with current affairs.  Encourage discussions about what is going on in the world and why.

By fostering a love for history and making learning engaging and interactive, parents can support their child's history education and help them develop a deeper understanding of the past.

Building on the areas studied in Key Stage 3, the Key Stage 4 course follows Edexcel GCSE History, which covers a wide range of topics that aim to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of key historical events and themes. The course includes units on topics including the Norman Conquest, the American West, Medicine Through Time and Weimar and Nazi Germany. Students will explore different historical perspectives, analyse primary and secondary sources, and develop critical thinking skills through essay writing and source-based questions. The exam format consists of a combination of short answer and essay questions to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the material. Overall, studying GCSE History on the Edexcel exam board offers students a fascinating journey through the past while honing their analytical and evaluative skills.

Home learning at KS4

Typically, home learning at KS4 will allow students to supplement their learning and support their GCSE studies. Students will often expect to complete note taking tasks to secure their subject knowledge, or complete GCSE style questions.

We also encourage an ongoing expectation of revision throughout KS4.  In year 10 students are expected to use their online textbook and classnotes to make revision resources based on the topics they are learning.  In year 11, there are more structured revision tasks through our guided revision timetable and additional revision sessions.  In KS4 your child can never say they “don’t have any home learning”!!

What can parents/carers do to support at home?

As well as the suggestions for KS3, parents should encourage frequent revision activities using the resources provided.  We also suggest purchasing revision guides to support any gaps in students’ knowledge.