History

History connects the past with the present and it matters because it helps us as individuals to understand why our society is the way it is and what we value. History lessons encourage students to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments and form their own judgements about the past.  At Gosforth Academy we build upon the students’ prior knowledge of ancient, medieval and early modern history by focussing on the modern era. However, students also revisit the earlier periods in two of the GCSE topics and in the A level coursework.  Students have the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of different topics in History.  We have designed a curriculum which avoids repetition and we have chosen topics which are not necessarily the easiest choice but are the ones which are particularly interesting, such as the Cold War.
 

Talk in lessons has a direct impact on the expansion of students’ vocabulary and the quality of the students’ extended writing. The ability to write analytically and to convey an argument in a succinct yet persuasive fashion is essential to success in History. As a result literacy skills are part and parcel of all History lessons. We place a very high value on the acquisition and retention of precise factual detail in order to support arguments. This means that factual tests are a regular part of the lessons.

Even though we cover a broad curriculum there are always areas which students want to cover in more depth so we are proud that our homework policy allows students to do exactly this. Each half term Key Stage 3 and 4 students conduct their own independent research into a topic which complements or extends their understanding.  They are then able to present this information in any way they feel is appropriate which is an opportunity for them to be creative and to take great pride in their work. This policy along with our entire rationale is underpinned by our belief that if a love and passion for History starts at school it will continue for life.