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History
So many of the world’s current problems boil down to History. At Whitstone we guide students on a chronological journey to understand how Britain and related nations grew, developed and prospered. Beginning with the Roman migration to Britain, through to voting in the 20th century, students learn about how individuals and events have shaped our world and led us to the place we see today. It is the aim of every History teacher at Whitstone School that students become Historians who possess an appreciation for our shared heritage, the experiences of others in situations both similar and different to themselves, and can see how these past events have shaped our present.
Whitstone Historians are able to learn and identify key pieces of information; investigate, analyse and question both written and pictorial sources; measure and understand the significance of events and evaluate and explain the impacts of past peoples. Assessment tasks throughout years and key stages focus on these skills and aim to encourage and nurture minds that question, voices that debate and produce opinions that are reasoned, justified and explained. Tasks are planned, scaffolded and differentiated in so that every student, regardless of background or ability can access them and includes a range of activities from those that are teacher-led to group work and independent learning. Self-assessment and improvement are central to History lessons, encouraging students to reflect on their work and improve their historical skills.
By the end of their education in History, whether at Year 9 or Year 11, students will leave with a chronological overview of Britain’s history, arming them with cultural capital that will benefit them in later years. Students will have a passion for questioning and investigating what they see around them on a daily basis and a drive to learn more. They will be aware of past injustices against minority groups, such as women through witchcraft and Africans through the slave trade. Alumni will know how the struggles and sacrifices of men and women in the past led to our current democracy in Britain. Those who continue to study History and related subjects at KS5 and beyond will have the skills to aid their learning and development and to advance and promote continuing historical study, wherever they go.