History at key stage 3

During key stage 3 pupils learn about significant individuals and events in the history of Britain from the middle ages to the twentieth century. They also learn about key aspects of European and world history. They show their understanding by making connections between events and changes in the different periods and areas studied, and by comparing the structure of societies and economic, cultural and political developments. They evaluate and use sources of information, using their historical knowledge to analyse the past and explain how it can be represented and interpreted in different ways.

In history, pupils acquire and apply knowledge, skills and understanding in five main areas:

• chronological understanding
• knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes in the past
• historical interpretation
• historical enquiry
• organisation and communication.

These aspects of knowledge, understanding and skills are developed in the programme of study for history through three British studies, a European study and two world studies.