History
OVERVIEW
At King’s Prep, pupils learn about history and the past from an early age. History is taught chronologically from Year 3 to Year 8, allowing pupils to make connections across different time periods.
Year 3 focuses on the Romans, Year 4 on Anglo-Saxon England, Year 5 on the Vikings and Normans, and Year 6 on Medieval England. In Years 7 and 8, pupils prepare for the ISEB Common Entrance Curriculum with topics including the Tudors, the Stuarts, and the development of Britain during these periods.
OUR SYLLABUS
History lessons are designed to ignite a passion for the subject. Pupils engage in hands-on activities and use the beautiful grounds of the school to bring history to life.
For example, pupils may charge through the woods in Roman battle formation or build a Tudor Warship. As pupils progress, the curriculum emphasises critical thinking, source analysis, and the ability to express well-founded opinions.
WHY STUDY HISTORY?
History is a form of time travel, allowing pupils to immerse themselves in past events to understand the present. In an ever-changing world, history helps students grasp the complexities of our society and its evolution. By exploring historical events and their outcomes, pupils can shape their understanding of the future.
With access to excellent historical sites nearby, pupils regularly visit places like New Barn, Cleeve Abbey, Montacute House, and Glastonbury Abbey. Year 5 students also took part in a virtual trip to Norway to explore Viking history.
To ensure smooth transitions to GCSE-level study, the Prep and Senior schools collaborate closely. Year 8 pupils benefit from visits by College history staff who provide additional support. History lessons are also enriched through collaborations with other departments, such as English, where students create poems based on their visits to Cleeve Abbey.
Studying history develops critical thinking, investigative skills, and the ability to collate evidence to form judgments. These skills are essential in a world where students must sift through vast amounts of information to assess its content, purpose, and reliability.
