History

History at NOA

The History department at North Oxfordshire Academy believe that the study of History is vital as it inspires knowledgeable and independent reflection, develops high-level literacy and promotes human understanding and sympathy.

Throughout the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to articulate their own ideas about the past confidently and persuasively. All pupils are supported so that they can write fluent, organised and increasingly mature analytical responses.

At KS3, we offer an exciting curriculum that focuses on the development of core concepts that have shaped the world, and environment we live in. We look at the development of the church, state and society through the Middle Ages to the current day to consider how power, society and culture changes depending on when and where you are living; this includes the often overlooked past in Asia and Africa. We also look at the interactions between societies through time, and how this caused both conflict and developments to their lands. By understanding this, students appreciate the world and town they live in. We teach chronologically through KS3, so students can pause to evaluate and analyse how these concepts have and are changing through the topics they are being taught.

When opting to choose History at GCSE, students utilise skills and knowledge gained at KS3 and apply them in new domains. In Year 10, we focus on the shaping of the nation. Students study the development of medicine and its impact on people until the present day. We also look at a British depth study, focusing on Elizabethan England and how Elizabeth I, a woman in a patriarchal society, was able to stabilise her country and allow it to thrive. In Year 11 the focus is on understanding the modern world. We investigate the change that occured throughout Germany between the years 1890-1945, looking at the changing political and social policies that occured through the two world wars, and how the Nazis were able to obtain power in a democratic society. We study the inter-war years, and the failures to prevent World War Two: how did international politics allow this to happen? And where did it all go wrong?

The History A Level course provides an opportunity to build on these substantive concepts as we immerse our students into the Early Modern period and allowing students to critically analyse the important socio-economic, political and religious developments that were occurring at this time using the skills they have developed in the subject from year 7 to 11.

Our History curriculum is carefully designed for students to confidently and successfully build up the knowledge and skills that they need, not just for examinations, but for life beyond the classroom

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