History

History 

We are made by history. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. 

 

At Park View we believe that History has a crucial role to play in developing students’ understanding of themselves and the world around them.  Our curriculum is built on the Park View pillars, the values that underpin our curriculum. 

 

Knowledge – our curriculum content is rigorous and designed to inspire students’ curiosity about the world around them and the events that have shaped it. Our curriculum is structured around enquiries which encourage students to ask questions about the world around them and understand some of the people, ideas and events that have shaped the modern world.  

Skills – we believe that History develops skills that are essential for life long learning including communication, empathy for others and understanding of diverse experiences.  Students develop strong literacy skills including persuasive and analytical arguments which bring the past to life. At every key stage students have opportunities to develop their understanding of professional historians and other relevant professions through analysis of historical sources, the analysis of interpretations of the past, and the creation of historical arguments. 

Inclusivity and Cultural Diversity - we are inspired by the pioneering work of professional historians who are at the forefront of work to ensure that History reflects the diversity of the modern world. We aim to ensure that students have the opportunity to learn about the diversity of people and experiences throughout the historical time periods and places we study. 

Enrichment & Ambition – we are ambitious for all our students. Our curriculum is enriched by a variety of opportunities in the classroom and beyond including trips and speakers.  The department maintains links with a range of external organisations and experts who enhance the curriculum and gives students opportunities to learn outside the classroom.  

Coherence & Cohesion - our curriculum content is cohesive and coherent. At all key stages students will have opportunities to explore the links between different people, events and places over time. 

Love of Learning – our teachers are highly skilled in encouraging students to develop a love of learning. Through our Progress Maps students can take ownership of their progress by tracking their learning over time. 

 

Key Stage 3 

In KS3 we study courses in line with the national curriculum with a focus on investigating the diversity of historical experiences at local, national and global levels. Students will have opportunities to investigate the histories of migration and the development of communities over time.  

As part of a rigorous and engaging, knowledge rich curriculum, students will focus on the skills of historical understanding and build the skills and knowledge they need for the future. Throughout Key Stage 3 students will  

  • Investigate and analyse contemporary historical evidence. 

  • Analyse and explain judgements about change over time and cause and consequence. 

  • Evaluate historical interpretations and perspectives on the past. 

 

Activities may include trips, debates, presentations, essays and drama.  

 

GCSE 

History is a popular GCSE subject which builds on the skills and knowledge that students have developed at Key Stage 3. 

At GCSE we follow the Edexcel specification and study 4 units across 3 exam papers.   

Paper 1: Migrants in Britain, c800–present and Notting Hill, c1948–c1970. 

1 hour 20 minutes. Worth 30% of the overall grade.  

 

Paper 2: Superpower relations and the Cold War, 1941–91 and Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88 

1 hour 45 minutes. Worth 20% of the overall grade (20% per topic).  

 

Paper 3: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39* 

1 hour 20 minutes. Worth 30% of the overall grade.  

 

You can find out more information on the exam board’s website:  

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/history-2016.html 

 

Progression Routes  

Students who have been successful at GCSE level can progress to A Level at college and this is a popular choice. History is a facilitating subject for the prestigious Russell Group of universities and is highly regarded by colleges, universities and employers. Careers include the law, education, the media and journalism, archaeology, architecture and the civil service. 

History Curriculum Overview