Key Stage 3
Year 7
See the Opening Minds Section
Year 8
The unit begins with the Henry VIII and the English reformation. It then moves on to Charles the First and the Civil War. The students then investigate the French revolution and the movement towards democracy. The Key question is why did England not follow suit? This then feeds into the industrial revolution. Why and how did England benefit from this revolution?
The students then also investigate the causes, events and impacts of slavery and how it was abolished over the next two terms. This then feeds into Year 9, and the British Empire.
- Term 1: King Henry VIII and the English Reformation
- Term 2: Charles I and the Civil War
- Term 3: The French Revolution
- Term 4: The Industrial Revolution
- Term 5: Slavery
- Term 6: Abolition of Slavery and Revision
Year 9
The unit begins with the British Empire losing its American colonies. It then moves on to the expansion of the British Empire, including India, Australia and South Africa. Conflict and contact is all analysed as well as the movement for each country to independent rule. The impact on Britain domestically of all of these colonies is analysed in depth. Students must appreciate the impact that Britain had, both positive and negative, on International relations during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The students then also investigate the causes, events and impacts of both World Wars. The year finishes with the handing back of sovereignty and the end of British rule in the colonies. The impact on British domestically is also investigated.
The key historical skills of analysis, evaluation and empathy are strewn throughout the course.
- Term 1: English Empire in America and the War of Independence
- Term 2: The English Empire in India – Benefit or hindrance
- Term 3: Australia – Contact or conflict
- Term 4: South Africa and the lead up to WWI
- Term 5: WWI and the League of Nations
- Term 6: WWII and the end of empire.