Last updated: 03 Dec 2007

Challenging questions

History challenges pupils to ask and answer important questions, find evidence, weigh it up and reach conclusions. They learn about the history of their local area, Britain, Europe and the wider world, building up in their heads a framework of significant events and people. As they do so, they see the diversity of human experience and understand more about themselves as individuals and members of society. History helps pupils to become confident and questioning individuals, equipping them with knowledge and skills that are prized in adult life.

Compulsory 5-14

From ages 5 to 14, history is compulsory. It is optional for all students after the age of 14. Those who choose to continue studying history usually take a qualification such as a GCSE. Then, pupils may take an A level.

Assessing history

History is not assessed through national curriculum tests. However, all schools are required to report pupils' attainment levels to parents at the end of year 9.

These attainment levels are decided by teacher assessment. This is guided by national curriculum level descriptions and takes into account strengths and weaknesses in performance across a range of contexts and over a period of time.