History

The History curriculum is aspirational because it is designed to inspire a lifelong passion for history by fostering intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. Delivered in a chronological framework, it enables pupils to develop a coherent and connected understanding of historical events, themes, and processes. This structure supports the development of sophisticated historical thinking, including causation, continuity and change, significance, and interpretation. 

We aim to cultivate high-level analytical skills that are not only essential for success in history but are also transferable across disciplines and into future careers. Students are encouraged to engage with complex historical debates, evaluate diverse sources of evidence, and construct well-reasoned arguments. These skills promote critical thinking, resilience, and independence; qualities that are aspirational and empower students to become reflective learners and informed global citizens. 

The History curriculum serves our pupils by being committed to delivering a curriculum that is inclusive, representative, and responsive to the diverse backgrounds of our pupils. By exploring a wide range of historical perspectives; from a diverse range of backgrounds. We ensure that all students see themselves reflected in the curriculum and understand the richness of human history. 

Our curriculum is carefully structured to support all learners, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). We use a range of strategies such as differentiated resources, visual timelines, modelling, scaffolding, and retrieval practice to ensure that every pupil can access and succeed in history. Tasks are sequenced to build confidence and competence, enabling students to make meaningful progress and to develop a secure grasp of historical concepts. 

The History curriculum allows our pupils to flourish by playing a vital role in shaping pupils into thoughtful, respectful, and active members of society. Through the study of British and global history, students engage with key values such as democracy, tolerance, mutual respect, and the rule of law. These principles are embedded throughout our curriculum and help pupils to understand their responsibilities within a diverse and interconnected world. 

Ultimately, our curriculum empowers pupils to flourish both academically and personally. It nurtures a sense of identity, belonging, and purpose, and prepares them to succeed in further education, employment, and civic life. History is not just about the past—it is a lens through which our students learn to shape the future. 

Sequencing in History  

The curriculum is arranged chronologically. This approach is fundamental to helping students develop a coherent understanding of the past. By teaching historical events in the order they occurred, we enable learners to grasp the cause-and-effect relationships between key developments, appreciate the progression of ideas and institutions over time, and build a mental timeline that supports deeper contextual knowledge. This structure also aids in making connections across different periods and themes, allowing students to see how earlier events influence later ones. At Manshead CE Academy, this method supports our intent to cultivate historically literate students who can think critically about change, continuity, and the complexity of human experiences. 

Spirituality in History  

Spirtuality is explored by looking at how people lived, what they believed, and how they thought about right and wrong over time. Through studying topics such as the Church, government, and society in Medieval Britain, the Reformation, and the fight for rights and freedoms, students are encouraged to think about the spiritual and moral sides of history. This helps them understand how people and communities found meaning, faced challenges, and expressed their beliefs over time. By including these ideas in our lessons, we aim to build students’ empathy, sense of right and wrong, and a deeper understanding of human experiences. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom in History 

The history curriculum allows students to experience the past in immersive and meaningful ways. At KS3, we run trips to Bletchley Park, where students explore the vital role of codebreaking during World War II, linking directly to our studies of conflict and technological change. We also visit the Hawthorne Trench in Canterbury, which offers a powerful, hands-on insight into life in the trenches during World War I, helping students to better understand the realities of warfare and its human impact. At KS4, we offer a three-day trip to Berlin, where students investigate key sites connected to Nazi Germany, the Holocaust, and the Cold War, deepening their understanding of the complex political and social history of 20th-century Europe. At KS5, our visit to the Tower of London supports students’ exploration of power, monarchy, and political control, providing a rich context for their advanced studies. These experiences help bring history to life, encouraging students to engage critically, develop empathy, and connect classroom learning to the wider world