Curriculum Leader: Mr R Ames - amesr@alkerdenacademy.co.uk

"Alkerden History: curiosity, context and character in action. "

Our history curriculum at Key Stage 3 is designed to ignite a lifelong curiosity about the past. We aim to equip learners with a deep, chronological understanding of British, local and world history, enabling them to make sense of the world around them today. 

Students will develop a critical and enquiring mindset by exploring key concepts such as causation, change and continuity, and significance. They will learn to ask perceptive questions, weigh evidence, and analyse sources to form their own substantiated judgements. This process will empower them to deconstruct historical arguments and challenge different interpretations of the past. 

The curriculum is structured to provide a rich and diverse narrative, ensuring learners not only understand the pivotal moments and key individuals that shaped Britain but also appreciate the wider global context and diverse experiences of people throughout history. We strive to foster a sense of identity and place by exploring our local history, helping learners understand their community's story within the broader national picture. Ultimately, we aim for all learners to leave Key Stage 3 as informed, analytical, and empathetic citizens, ready to engage with the complexities of the past and the challenges of the future. 

Learners have 3 lessons a fortnight, following a carefully sequenced and planned series of events.  

Implementation is enriched by:  

• Opportunities for discussions and class debates  
• Practical application of historical understanding  
• Trips and experiences outside the classroom

Our Key Stage 3 (KS3) history curriculum aims to cultivate historians of the future by developing a deep understanding of Britain's past and that of the wider world. We don't just teach names and dates; we teach critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to make sense of the complex world around us. 

• Knowledge & Understanding: Learners gain a strong, chronological understanding of British history from Roman Britain to the present day, while also exploring significant world events, such as the growth of empires, the impact of the World Wars, and the Civil Rights movement. This knowledge provides a foundational context for understanding modern society and current affairs. 
• Historical Skills: Our curriculum trains learners to think like historians. They learn to analyse and evaluate a wide range of sources, distinguish between fact and opinion, and construct well-reasoned historical arguments. This promotes intellectual curiosity and a healthy scepticism towards information. 
• Empathy & Perspective: By studying diverse historical figures and events, learners learn to appreciate different perspectives and understand the motivations and challenges of people from different times and cultures. This fosters tolerance, empathy, and a global outlook. For example, studying the experiences of enslaved people during the transatlantic slave trade helps learners grasp the profound human cost of historical events. 
• Literacy & Communication: History is a literacy-rich subject. Learners develop advanced reading skills by engaging with complex primary and secondary sources. They learn to communicate their ideas effectively through structured essays, presentations, and debates, building strong communication skills that are transferable across all subjects. 

Alkerden History reflects our Alkerden Heart - igniting curiosity, building context, and shaping character by exploring the stories of people and events that have shaped our world.

• BBC History
• BBC Bitesize
• Horrible Histories