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History

Curriculum Intent

We regularly review content to ensure we continue to meet our curriculum aims and provide every pupil with a history curriculum which: 

  • Inspires curiosity to know more about the past 
  • Builds a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain’s past and that of the wider world 
  • Encourages perceptive questioning, critical thinking, the ability to weigh evidence, sift arguments and develop perspective and judgement 
  • Understand the complexity of people’s lives, the process of change, the diversity of societies and relationships between different groups, as well as their own identity and the challenges of their time 

The History curriculum is planned to enable all students to develop skills in the following areas: 

  • Source analysis and evaluation 
  • Chronological understanding 
  • Change and continuity 
  • Cause and consequence 
  • Analysis of significance 
  • Evaluation of interpretations 

How students are supported in History

Gosforth East Middle School is an inclusive school where every child is valued and respected. We strive for excellence and are committed to the inclusion, progress and resilience of all of our students, including those with SEN. We support our students to make progress in their learning, emotional and social development.  

Teachers are responsible for the progress of ALL students in their class and high-quality teaching is carefully planned to include supporting students who may have SEND. All students are challenged to achieve to the best of their ability, to make good or outstanding. 

Specific approaches which are used within the curriculum areas include: 

  • Targeted and well-thought-out seating plans 
  • Appropriate levels of scaffolding provided 
  • Ensuring resources are suitable for individual learning needs 
  • Group work and discussion 
  • Clear teacher/student communication 
  • Targeted and well-thought-out questioning techniques 
  • Feedback that allows all students to make progress, whether written or verbal 
  • Using strategies best suited to addressing individual needs 
  • BBC Bitesize is an excellent resource with information and videos all curriculum areas. 

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize 

    https://discoverymuseum.org.uk/discover-at-home 

    The Discovery Museum website has information relevant to the local history topic and the Industrial Revolution. 

Assessment

Assessment is carried out during lessons and includes extended writing and source based activities. 

Enrichment Opportunities

Visits to local landmarks including Newcastle Castle and Woodhorn Colliery. 

Visits to school from Newcastle University  

Pupils from GEMS took part in the Centenary Battlefield Tours and created legacy projects. 

Cross curricular activities in English, RE and Art. 

History has formed part of Extra Curriculum Days such as Walls and the local community. 

Topic Overview

 

Autumn

Spring

Summer

Year 5

Local History 

Maya    

Crime and Punishment

Year 6

Britain since 1948

Invaders and Settlers

(Roman Britain & Anglo-Saxons)

Invaders and Settlers

(Vikings)

Year 7

Battle of Hastings and how William gained control of England

Medieval life

Henry VIII

Elizabeth I and English Civil War

Year 8

British Empire and The Slave Trade

Industrial Revolution

World War One