History

Descriptor:

• Demonstrate general historical knowledge, using everyday language (know some basic facts).

• Write simple explanations with some understanding of historical concepts such as change, continuity, significance, causation and consequence (answering the question)

• Understand and draw simple conclusions from sources and interpretations.

Exemplar question and grade 3 answer:
In what ways were the lives of Americans affected by the Civil Rights campaigns?

“Americans were affected by the campaigns like the bus boycott and Martin Luther King’s speech.  They got more freedom and America became more equal.  For example, buses were desegregated.” 

Descriptor:

• Demonstrate mostly accurate and appropriate historical knowledge. (know more facts, in more detail)

• Write coherent explanations with a clear understanding of, and reference to, historical concepts such as change, continuity, significance, causation and consequence. (answer questions accurately and in increasing depth, using evidence and explanation)

• Analyse and provide some evaluation of a range of sources and interpretations, in their historical context, in order to reach judgements.

Exemplar question and grade 5 answer:
In what ways were the lives of Americans affected by the Civil Rights campaigns?

“Americans were affected by the Civil Rights campaigns such as the Montgomery bus boycott and Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech.  The bus boycott, which was caused by Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat to a white man on the bus, led to the desegregation of public transport and the speeches of Martin Luther King influenced the government to pass the Civil Rights Act in 1964, which made America a fairer and more equal place.” 

Descriptor:

• Demonstrate relevant and comprehensive knowledge combined with sophisticated use of language and historical terms. (know all of the topics very well, with a good grasp of chronology)

• Write developed and convincing explanations with an explicit understanding of, and reference to, historical concepts such as change, continuity, significance, causation and consequence. (answer questions precisely using evidence and developed explanation)

• Critically analyse and evaluate, to reach reasoned, substantiated judgements:

  • a range of sources, in context, to investigate historical issues

  • interpretations and why they may differ.

Exemplar question and grade 7 answer:
In what ways were the lives of Americans affected by the Civil Rights campaigns?

“African-Americans were particularly affected by the Civil Rights campaigns.  Events such as the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955-56 and Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech in 1963 led to the end of a number of Jim Crow Laws and therefore society became less segregated.  The bus boycott, which was caused by Rosa Parks refusal to give up her seat to a white man on the bus, led to the desegregation of public transport and a feeling of greater equality for black Americans.  Whilst this was not immediately followed in every state, it also acted as a kickstart to the Civil Rights movement, inspiring further acts of non-violent protest. 

On top of this, the speeches of Martin Luther King influenced the government to pass the Civil Rights Act in 1964.  His famous “I have a dream” speech was delivered during the March on Washington in August 1963 in front of 250,000 people.  This show of public support put pressure on Democrat presidents to pass a law which ended discrimination.  This led to improved equality between African-Americans and white Americans, especially in the areas of housing and employment.”