History is a subject that forms the bedrock of our understanding of the culture in which we live as well as the wider world around us.  The content covered gives students the opportunity to explore issues at a local, national and international level from the ancient era through to the twentieth century.  This establishes key links between history and the local community which is one of our schools key values. This range of history offers the opportunity to explore different peoples’ perspectives on issues and events and think critically about the world in which they live through the discussion of pupil perspectives of key historical figures.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to give students a broad understanding of the chronological development of British history, as well as being able to make links to other societies, cultures and world events. This this explored through topics such as the industrial revolution and the opium trade. Understanding key concepts within History, such as significance and causation and consequence, unlock the door for students to be able to ask leading questions, analyse information and convey their views in a methodical and structured way. This is done through exam style questions at both KS3 and KS4. At KS3 these skills are intertwined throughout the curriculum to prepare them for GCSE. These skills are honed and developed progressively through the curriculum to create historians confident in communicating their views, both in writing and orally.

Each topic is framed around a challenging historical question which is linked to a key historical concept. Lessons mirror this, with key questions forming the basis for each lesson enquiry in order to promote excellence. This will ensure students access and apply high level vocabulary with increasing rigour over their time in history classrooms. The History curriculum offered immerses students in a range of cultures and produces an enquiring and critical outlook on the world, with skills that can be applied in other subjects and in their future endeavours. Through the study of key historical figures we are able to promote aspiration to excel in some of the same ways that these key individuals have.

We also emphasis resilience through the study of key individuals and groups who have faces challenging circumstances through the exploration of the slave trade and female suffrage movement at KS3; the American settlers and the oppression of minorities in Nazi Germany at KS4. 

Rossington All Saints Academy values in History

Community: To reflect on the contribution of Rossington to bomb testing in the mines, for WW1.

Aspirations: To reflect on the past, learning from mistakes, to create a harmonious society. 

Resilience: To aim for key chararistics that drive individuals throughout the past.

Excellence: To develop historical knowledge to be ambassadors for the future.

Learning Journey

KS4 Qualification: History

Paper 1: 1 hour 15 minutes (worth 30% of the overall qualification)

Section A: Historic environment: Students answer a question that assesses knowledge plus a two-part question based on two provided sources. The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches.

Section B: Thematic study focusing on Medicine in Britain c1250— present day.  

Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes (worth 40% of the overall qualification)

Section A: Period study: American West.

Section B: Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88.

Paper 3: 1 hour 20 minutes (worth 30% of the qualification)

Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39

Possible pathways

Apart from enjoying the course and being a lot more aware of the world around you, GCSE History is a solid basis for many A level subjects. Students who have done well in History often study higher qualifications in subjects such as Politics, Law, Economics, and Sociology. History also goes well with subjects such as English and languages. Many people working in law and accountancy have studied History because of the skills that can be developed in reasoning and arguing your point. There are also many areas more directly related to History, such as Travel and Tourism, museums, the media industry, libraries, government research, academic research and, of course, history teaching.