INTRODUCTION What is History? Why should we study it?
History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon. ( Napoleon Bonaparte) The further back you can look, the further forward you are likely to see. (Winston Churchill) History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives. (Abba Eban)

• In times like these, it is helpful to remember that there have always been times like these.
  (Paul Harvey)
  
  

In Key Stage 3 History at Sweyne Park, factual knowledge is complemented with skills and understanding. Pupils will have the opportunity to investigate social, political, economic and cultural history at a local, national and international level and are expected to develop informed opinions and communicate ideas both orally and in written work.

COURSE DETAILS

	Year 7 What is history? Historical skills introduction Overview of the ancient world Medieval Britain 1066 - 1500 Islamic Empires European Renaissance and Reformation
		Year 8 Early Tudors, Elizabeth I Voyages of exploration Stuarts Native Americans
			Year 9 Industrial Revolution and Empire, Britain 1750 – 1900 Black people of the Americas The Russian Revolution 20th Century World

Assessment

At the end of Year 9, pupils will be given a final level of attainment as required by the National Curriculum. In Years 7 to 9, a combination of classwork, home learning projects and specific assessment assignments and tests will be used to support the pupils in their learning. We also believe that the pupils should be given opportunities to reflect on their progress and how that might be improved.
Each pupil will be expected to complete these tasks to the best of his or her ability.

Home Learning

One home learning will be set per week and is an integral part of the course. The department is moving towards a system based on home learning projects, where pupils have the opportunity to complete an extended assignment based on the topic area being studied. This will enable students to develop study skills that will be essential at GCSE and will develop their historical understanding in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum. The assignments are carefully structured and supervised by staff.

Beyond the Classroom

We believe that we work within an exciting subject area and we wish to share that sense of enthusiasm with our pupils. We have established a programme of visits, within the curriculum and the school’s Education Extra programme, to provide opportunities for learning outside the classroom. This might include a drama presentation by a group specialising in historical reconstruction or, alternatively, a visit to a historical site or museum.

How Parents Can Help

The department would like to encourage parents to support their son/daughter in the following ways: personal organisation and meeting deadlines, supporting research for a home learning assignment by visiting a museum or historical site and assisting with the collection of resources and, finally, by communicating concerns and questions to the department early to pre-empt later difficulties.

Securing Success

Parents will be notified either by letter or telephone of any serious concern experienced by the department regarding a pupil’s progress and level of achievement. Following such contact there will be an opportunity to discuss matters further in person. Should parents feel their son/daughter is not making progress, they should contact Catherine McCrory or the subject teacher.