The History curriculum at Moorisde equips students with a strong command of explicit knowledge on British history and other important world events. This embeds an appreciation for our rich and varied heritage as well as an appreciation and tolerance for other cultures.

Chronologically, students gain fluency on how the people of Britain have shaped this nation and the impact of Britain’s role in the wider world. This is in line with the national curriculum that also has a clear focus on the wider world. This process will also enable them to apply second order concepts to demonstrate critical thinking and reasoning skills, which will allow our students to be culturally aware and socially responsible.

Throughout the curriculum, there are opportunities for students to explore important topics linked to their wider world such as British values. For instance, lessons covering The Magna Carta and The Civil War demonstrate values such as democracy and individual liberty. The rule of law is highlighted in lessons covering Henry II and the Church, and values such as tolerance are covered through our units on Migration and The Holocaust. As a department we also feel it is important to highlight that Britain has not always been tolerant and respectful, and that these ‘values’ have been a gradual change over time. Focus on world events such as the Cold War highlights our fraught relationship with the USSR, which still exists today, and explains our ‘special relationship’ with USA as a result of our shared liberal values.

The History curriculum at Moorside also allows students to be reflective about their beliefs, religious or otherwise and this is a theme visited throughout the curriculum. Students are challenged to investigate debate and consider a range of different viewpoints on topics that develop their critical thinking and skills of analysis which prepares them for their next steps at GCSE and A level. Diversity is celebrated throughout the curriculum with a focus on a variety of key individuals who have changed the world for the better. A focus on significant individuals and places of Britain and the wider world encourages students to reflect on their own cultural assumptions and values that equip students with a strong command of explicit knowledge and subject specific terminology on British and World History. We also intend to support our students in continuing with their journey in History at KS4 and KS5. We have worked hard to make sure our curriculum decisions and KS4 choices align with the opportunities offered to our students in the local area, and we have taken great care in evaluating our curriculum in a way to maximize their futures, including our specification choices.

Curriculum Overview