At Leigh Academy Minster, our History curriculum wholeheartedly supports the mission “Where ambition takes flight” by nurturing inquisitive, articulate, and internationally engaged citizens. Aligned with the IB MYP, our subject empowers students to understand the complex tapestry of the past, both globally and through the lens of our local identity on the Isle of Sheppey – a community deeply rooted in maritime heritage and historical resilience. We believe that by exploring diverse historical contexts, from pre-1066 to the present day, pupils connect with the human story and their place within it. They learn to think critically about cause and consequence, change and continuity, and significance, developing a profound appreciation for multiple perspectives and the multifaceted nature of human experience. Our curriculum reflects the academy’s values of Ambition, Character, Achievement, and Responsibility, fostering learners who are not only academically successful but also socially aware and deeply connected to their historical roots and modern 21st-century Britain.
Statement of Intent
Our History curriculum aims to equip students with a robust foundation of substantive knowledge about key historical events, periods, and figures, alongside the disciplinary skills essential for historical inquiry. Students will gain the ability to analyse and evaluate historical sources and interpretations, construct well-reasoned arguments, and understand the nuances of historical causation. We aspire for all learners to develop a comprehensive understanding of the past on local, national, and global levels, enabling them to make informed judgments and actively participate in contemporary society. Through engaging with diverse historical narratives, pupils will cultivate empathy, resilience in problem-solving, and a lifelong curiosity about the world around them.
The History curriculum is meticulously structured to build understanding over time, deeply rooted in evidence-based pedagogical approaches to knowledge retention. In the Middle Years Programme (MYP) at Key Stage 3, the curriculum echoes and extends beyond the National Curriculum, providing chronological coherence. Students delve into significant periods and themes, continuously revisiting and deepening their understanding of second-order concepts such as cause and consequence, change and continuity, and significance. They are exposed to essential historical skills, including source analysis, understanding historical interpretations, and developing evaluative and argumentative writing. At Key Stage 4, students expand their historical breadth and depth by studying a thematic overview of Medicine through Time (including a case study on World War One trenches), a British depth study on Early Elizabethan England, a modern depth study on Weimar and Nazi Germany, and a period study on the Cold War. Key Stage 5 challenges students to explore the past in greater breadth and depth, making intricate links and comparisons. Students undertake three areas of study: “In Search of the American Dream, USA, 1917-1997”; “The Road to Independence, India, 1914-1948”; and “Britain Losing and Gaining an Empire, 1793-1914,” culminating in a non-examined assessment, all while mastering key historical concepts.
We are committed to ensuring that our History curriculum is accessible and challenging for all pupils, including those with SEND or from disadvantaged backgrounds. We adapt our teaching strategies, utilising pre-teaching of complex concepts, providing scaffolded tasks, and explicitly addressing historical vocabulary to ensure every student can engage deeply with high-quality historical content. Our curriculum design fosters a supportive environment where all learners are encouraged to develop their historical inquiry skills and reach their full potential. We maintain high expectations for every student, promoting a culture of ambition and intellectual curiosity, ensuring that all pupils can succeed and thrive in History.
Our History curriculum significantly contributes to pupils’ cultural capital by exposing them to a rich tapestry of human experiences, diverse perspectives, and significant historical narratives from around the globe and within their local community. Explicitly planned opportunities allow students to learn about the history of Kent and the Isle of Sheppey, including topics like the Viking invasion and the island’s role in the Second World War. Enrichment opportunities are woven throughout the curriculum, providing immersive experiences that deepen appreciation for the past. This includes engaging with primary sources, exploring diverse historical interpretations, and fostering a lifelong interest in historical events and their impact on the modern world.
KS3: Individuals & Societies - History
Module 1
Unit title: Civilisation in England Before 1066
Statement of Inquiry: Conflict forces civilisations to change their identities
Module 2
Unit title: The Norman Conquest of England 1006
Statement of Inquiry: Changes to systems in governance transforms civilizations
Module 3
Unit title: Life in Medieval Society
Statement of Inquiry: Changes to the way of life revolutionises civilisations
Module 4
Unit title: Monarchy in the Medieval Period
Statement of Inquiry: Successful governance depends on their position in time, space and place
Module 5
Unit title: Tudor Monarchy and Reformation
Statement of Inquiry: Power and privilege revolutionises community ideologies
Module 6
Unit title: Tudor Society , Diversity and Exploration
Statement of Inquiry: Global interactions shape identity and culture
Module 1
Unit title: Consequences of Renaissance
Statement of Inquiry: Human innovation changes perspectives and experiences
Module 2
Unit title: Industrial Revolution and Growth of Empire
Statement of Inquiry: Industrial innovations reshape society and culture
Module 3
Unit title: Consequences of Empire
Statement of Inquiry: Interconnected systems impact identity and governance
Module 4
Unit title: Civil Rights in the UK and Abroad
Statement of Inquiry: The leadership and cooperation of people revolutionises system
Module 5
Unit title: Women’s Suffrage and Influence
Statement of Inquiry: Challenges to people’s place in time and space causes advancements in human dignity
Module 6
Unit title: WW1: Causes, Events and Impacts
Statement of Inquiry: Nations form alliances to protect their military , cultural and economic interests
Module 1
Unit title: The Rise of Dictators
Statement of Inquiry: Dictators rise to power when counties are in trouble
Module 2
Unit title: World War II and the Holocaust
Statement of Inquiry: The action of individuals and groups changes to the development of human life
Module 3
Unit title: Days that Changed the World
Statement of Inquiry: Single days can reshape systems, ideologies and development, impacting on fairness for all
Module 4
Unit title: Britain Since 1945
Statement of Inquiry: Identity and relationships significantly change the nature of society
Module 5
Unit title: Women’s Rights and LGBTQ+ Since 1945
Statement of Inquiry: Changing ideas about identity and relationships are influenced by evolving ideologies
Module 6
Unit title: Global Relationships and Changes
Statement of Inquiry: Systems of governance are successful when based on principles of democracy
KS4: GCSE History
Module 1
Paper 1: Medieval and Renaissance Medicine
Module 2
Paper 1: Industrial and Modern Medicine
Module 3
Paper 1: Medicine in the First World War Trenches
Module 4
Paper 2: Elizabeth – Queen, Government , Religion and Challenges from at Home and Abroad
Module 5
Paper 2: Elizabethan Society in the Age of Exploration
Module 6
Paper 3: Weimar Germany
Module 1
Paper 3: Rise of the Nazi Party and the Creation of Dictatorship
Module 2
Paper 3: Life in Nazi Germany
Module 3
Paper 2: The origins of the Cold War and the Cold War crisis
Module 4
Paper 2: The End of the Cold War
Module 5
Revision
Module 6
Exams
KS5: A Level History
Module 1
Paper 1: Conflict and Intervention – Casey Study Rwanda (1990-1998)
Paper 2: Early Modern States (1450-1789)
Module 2
Paper 1: Conflict and Intervention – Casey Study Kosovo (1989-2002)
Paper 2: Early Modern States (1450-1789)
Module 3
Paper 3: The French Revolution and Napoleon I (1774-1815)
Paper 2: Early Modern States (1450-1789)
Module 4
Paper 3: The French Revolution and Napoleon I (1774-1815)
Paper 3: The Age of Exploration and its Impact
Module 5
Internal Assessment and Paper 3: The Age of Exploration and its Impact
Module 6
Internal Assessment and Paper 2: Authoritarian States (20th Century)
Module 1
The Changing Nature and Extent of Trade and the Changing Nature of the Royal Navy and What Impact did the Reagan Presidency (1981-1989) have on the USA in the Years 1981-1998
Module 2
The Loss of the American Colonies (1770-1783) and Coursework
Module 3
The Birth of the British Australia (1788-1829) and Learning from the Past Mistakes: Canada and the Durham Report (1837-1840) and Coursework
Module 4
Nearly Losing an Empire: The British in India (1829-1958) and the Nile Valley (1882-1898) and Coursework
Module 5
Revision
Module 6
Exams