Key Stage 3

Key Stage 3 Curriculum Overview

Year 7

In the autumn and spring terms, Year 7 students pick up from where they left off at Key Stage 2. First, we build upon their understanding of the very concept of History as a subject, introducing them to the conceptual rigours of Key Stage 3. From here, our pupils learn about the 400 year old history of the school, prior to examining the development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain through a study of the Norman Conquest, the struggle between Church and crown (for instance, Thomas Becket and Henry II), interpretations of the reign of King John, the Black Death and the Peasants’ Revolt. 

In the second part of the spring term our Year 7 students continue to learn about the development of Church, state and society in early modern Britain through a study of the Tudor religious rollercoaster, prior to switching their focus to the Stuarts in the first part of the summer term. Furthermore, and for the very first time this academic year, our Year 7 pupils are set to embark upon an ‘EPQ style’ research project that will draw upon some of the key themes that they have come across in Year 7. The rationale behind this exciting project is simple: we would like our pupils to truly get to the grips with the work of the historian. Indeed, the process will involve careful research, a write-up and a presentation of key findings. 

A proposed day trip to Windsor Castle is also set to be a real highlight of our Year 7 curriculum. This links in with our internal castle building competition, the very best of which are selected to be put on display at Windsor Castle itself.

Year 8

Our Year 8 students begin the year studying Ideas, political power, industry and empire: Britain, 1745-1901 through a study of the British Empire and the transatlantic slave trade. Following on from this, we move onto Challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world 1901 to the present day and so end the Autumn term by looking into the causes of the First World War. In the spring term, our pupils once again carry out an independent ‘EPQ style’ research project - this time on the First World War -  so that they can further enhance their historical skills. The pupils have much say over their chosen topic, but the following areas are suggested: The Home Front; The changing nature of warfare (new technologies); Women and the war; The British Generals - Lions led by donkeys?; Trench life; and the contribution made by the British Empire. We also explore the very unique connection that Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School has with the conflict. 

Our students then move onto the Second World War, looking at both its causes and a series of key turning points, prior to an in-depth study of the Holocaust.

Building upon their studies of the transatlantic slave trade, as well as the Second World War, our students finish the year by thinking about Human rights and protest. To be specific, they learn all about the fight for civil rights in the United States, whereby they focus on the American Civil War, continued injustices post-American Civil War, and the key roles played by significant activists such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King during the 1950s and 1960s.

Finally, in the summer term all of our Year 8 pupils have the opportunity to visit the Imperial War Museum. This of course consolidates their understanding of the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Holocaust. 

(Sep 2023)