The Prophet said that seeking knowledge is a way leading to Paradise. He said: “Whoever follows a path in the pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make a path to Paradise easy for him.” (Al-Bukhaari)
History: Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4
In Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils have one History lesson per week and are taught in mixed ability forms.
In KS3 the curriculum followed at this stage is thematic in accordance to the National Curriculum and is taught by subject specialists. The aim of the KS3 curriculum is to provide educational excellence in order for our Learners to become life-long Learners and become confident Young British Muslims in the world we live today. To enable pupils to develop the critical thinking skills that will help them in their daily lives.
Topics covered in KS3 include a selection of areas to give an overview of World History. They are taught with a view to enrich their perspective and build upon existing knowledge. The focus of study includes Medieval England, Tudor Period, Arab-culture and the Crusades in Year 7. In the following Year (8) the topics include the English Civil Wars, The Industrial Revolution and the Abolishment of Slavery and British India. In Year 9 the pupils’ study the impact of the First and the Second World War and International migration during the 20th Century.
At KS4 pupils can opt to take History as part of their GCSE, which is taught in three lessons per week. The Examining board for History is AQA. This is a full course, which is graded in 2 parts.
Paper 1: Understanding the modern world
Section A: there is a choice of four period studies, each with a focus on two key developments in a country’s history over at least a 50 year period.
Section B : a choice of five wider world depth studies. These focus on international conflict and tension.
Paper 2: Shaping the nation
Section A: there is a choice of three thematic studies, which look at key developments in Britain over a long period.
Section B: there is a choice of four British depth studies incorporating the study of a specific historic environment.
Further Information
The department has a dedicated teaching room, where a range of Audio – Visual material is made available. The department makes full use of the internet, and recommends specific websites for courses. A large range of textbooks are also used, which are aimed at encouraging our highly-motivated pupils to get to grips with the richness of the subject. We specify reading from textbooks and expect research to be thorough and detailed. We set essays throughout the school, as we believe that extended writing is essential to the study of the subject, as well as preparation for studying further on. There is also great emphasis on learning outside the classroom as to enrich Learner’s experiences and enhance understanding.
The department ensures pupils are taken out once a year and guest speakers are invited to encourage learning. They are carefully selected to develop pupils understanding by giving them the opportunity to investigate the past and different cultures.
Results
The department has an excellent record of A* – C which has continued to grow year on. The 2016 results had a past rate of 95%.
