Studying History makes us better people. 

History has the power to connect us to the world we live in and allows us to reflect upon the very darkest and most hopeful examples of human behaviour. Through studying our History, we can better understand who we are, who we want to be and how we might avoid repeating History’s gravest mistakes and injustices. 

Through our History curriculum, pupils are introduced to the most significant events; individuals, ideas and phenomena that have shaped our modern world. More than this, pupils learn how these factors interact, recognising cause and consequence, as well as developing an appreciation for chronology and significance.

 Most importantly, students are encouraged to develop their own views on significance, and critically examine those of others within specific socio-political contexts. 

 History is an ever-evolving forum for discussion about how we relate to the past and how this has informed the present. Whatever our pupils go on to achieve, History provides an invaluable foundation in the reasoning, communication and literacy skills that allow us to become more thoughtful, compassionate and well-informed members of society. 

The GCSE History course at Strood Academy

Strood Academy follows the AQA exam board specification and format over a two year KS4. This allows us to build on some of the skills and knowledge developed in KS3 into those essential for the GCSE. Currently we study fours modules which are assessed through two exam papers at the end of KS4. The specification is designed to ensure a broad and comprehensive student understanding. Students are required to study one thematic study which at Strood Academy is ‘Health and the People’. This module enables students to understand change and continuity across a long sweep of history across multiple eras. Alongside this they also study a module focused on a significant period of British history. At Strood Academy this is ‘Norman England c.1066 to c.1100’. Alongside these modules students also study ‘Conflict and Tension’ in international relations 1918-1939 and ‘Life in Germany 1890-1945’. 

The study of these topics enable students to gain an understanding of the complexities of a society or historical situation and the interplay of different aspects within it.  Throughout the KS4 curriculum, students will continue to develop the key skills learned in KS3 such as having a secure understanding of chronology, the ability to apply historical concepts and processes to an argument as well as the confidence to engage with the nature of evidence and the value of historical interpretations. Overall the KS4 curriculum encourages students to broaden and deepen their historical knowledge so they are fully prepared for their exams and the world beyond.