History
at Bishop Perowne Church of England College
Intent
At Bishop Perowne, we believe that understanding the present begins with a deep appreciation of the past.
History is a rich tapestry of fascinating stories, remarkable individuals, and transformative events. Through the study of History, students explore diverse cultures, societies, and perspectives, gaining a clearer understanding of how the world has evolved—and why it continues to change.
We aim to inspire a lifelong passion for the subject, while equipping our students with the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills that are essential in today’s world.
Our ultimate goal is for students to be excited by History, to see its relevance to contemporary issues, and to leave Bishop Perowne not only with strong academic outcomes but also with the confidence to question, evaluate, and contribute thoughtfully to the world around them.
Key Stages 3 & 4
KS3
The Key Stage 3 History curriculum is designed as a stimulating journey through time. It follows a thematic structure, covering a broad range of historical topics at local, national and international levels.
Each unit typically lasts around half a term, with regular assessments to track your child’s progress in both historical knowledge and critical thinking. This structure ensures that students are well supported and challenged throughout their learning.
In Year 7, students begin their historical journey by exploring how migration shaped British society before 1066. They then move on to study key aspects of medieval life, concluding the year with an in-depth investigation into the local history of Worcester.
In Years 8 and 9, the curriculum broadens to include significant national and global events. Topics include the Industrial Revolution, the World Wars, 1920s America and a thematic study of genocide through time. This wide-ranging approach allows students to build a strong understanding of historical change and continuity, cause and consequence, and different historical perspectives.
KS4
At Key Stage 4, students follow the Edexcel GCSE History course, which is assessed through three examinations at the end of Year 11. The course covers the following areas:
- Paper 1: Crime and Punishment in Britain, c1000–present
Includes a focused case study on Whitechapel during the late 19th century. - Paper 2: Two Depth Studies
- Early Elizabethan England, 1558–1588
- Superpower Relations and the Cold War, 1941–1991
- Paper 3: Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–1939
This rigorous and engaging course encourages students to develop critical thinking, source analysis, and structured argument skills—essential tools for both academic success and understanding the modern world.
Assessment & Lessons
At Key Stage Three, your child will build a solid foundation in historical knowledge and skills that will help them make sense of the world today.
Through engaging, enquiry-based lessons, they’ll explore how past events have shaped the society we live in. They’ll be encouraged to ask questions, take part in discussions, and think critically about different interpretations of history.
Students’ understanding and retention of knowledge is regularly checked using show me boards, as well as formal assessment each half-term – extended pieces of writing which cover key skills in history.
Students learn how to investigate the past using evidence, developing their ability to form and express informed opinions. By the end of Key Stage Three, your child will not only have a strong understanding of significant historical events and figures, but also valuable skills that will support them across subjects and prepare them well for GCSE History.
Enrichment & Co-curricular
The History department offers a diverse programme of enrichment and extracurricular activities for students.
- In Years 7 and 8 have the opportunity to participate in the highly popular ‘Horrible Histories’ club.
- We also coordinate a variety of educational visits beyond the classroom.
- Year 8 students visit Croome Court in Worcestershire as part of their Cultural Capital enrichment programme.
- Year 11 pupils attended a specialised workshop and a theatrical performance of Hitler on Trial at Redditch Theatre, designed to support their exam preparation.
- Year 8 and 9 get to experience our Battlefields Trip to France and Belgium.
