History

Curriculum Statement

Students studying history at The King’s Academy will consider the world around them, appreciating their place in the world with an informed understanding of the past, based on the expertise they develop. They will also develop critical thinking, debate and analysis skills vital for a further and higher education and employment. We develop the virtue of humility, as they recognise that their opinion of events will be one of many which should be considered, and of fairness, as they examine how the behaviour of others may have been just or unjust. We aim to consider how a view of the past can provide the tools to work together using love, wisdom and, self-control to develop their character encouraging a positive contribution to modern Britain following their time here.

We study several themes in history which are revisited through all key stages and allow students to develop a deep understanding. For example, the study of the development of the Church of England allows students to understand their own beliefs within the framework of British and world history and to explore periods in which respect of different faiths has not been apparent, encouraging students to be tolerant and kind to those around them. They study the relationship between power, the monarchy and government which allows students to consider right and wrong in historical contexts and why this can be complex. Students will explore the fight for rights in the 19th and 20th century alongside decolonisation, allowing them to explore the lives of people from varied socio-economic, religious and ethnic backgrounds. Students also study migration over time so that they can understand the reasons behind this and the positive impacts it can have on culture. Through this, we aim to show students why fundamental British values of democracy and tolerance are so vital in modern Britain.

Students studying history will have an awareness of the key skills of critical thinking, analysis and evaluation will be able to use these in a variety of careers including journalism, law and politics. They will also look at the roles of historians, archaeologists and curators in developing our understanding of the past.