At St Catherine’s College, our History curriculum is designed to help students make sense of the world around them, learn from the mistakes and successes of the past, and inspire them to contribute ambitiously to the future. Rooted in our mission to prepare students to stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers locally, nationally, and globally, we aim to foster critical thinkers and responsible citizens who understand the significance of history in shaping the world. 

Through the study of History, we aim to: 

• Encourage curiosity and critical thinking, enabling students to evaluate evidence, analyse interpretations and form reasoned conclusions about the past. 
• Highlight the human stories behind historical events by sharing the experiences of different groups of people in the past and how their experiences have relevance to today’s world. 
• Develop the key substantive skills and second order concepts of History. 

Our Key Stage 3 curriculum is chronologically structured, spanning major historical periods: 

• 1066–1500, exploring the medieval period and its defining events and themes. 
• 1500–1750, examining the early modern era themes of religious turmoil and transformative global changes. 
• 1750–1900, focusing on industrial, social, and political revolutions. 
• 1900 to present day, addressing the complexities of modern history, including conflict, the Holocaust and societal change. 

This broad approach allows teachers to draw on their individual specialisms and passions, enriching the classroom experience and inspiring students to explore topics in greater depth. 

We employ a spiral curriculum, revisiting and building upon prior knowledge to deepen students’ understanding. This approach is supported by: 

• In-class retrieval practice, which reinforces key concepts and strengthens memory. 
• At-home learning and key fact recall, enabling students to take responsibility for their own progress and preparing them for assessment and class discussions. 

By embedding these practices, we help students develop the resilience, independence, and ambition necessary to excel in their historical studies and beyond. 

The study of History at St Catherine’s College fosters: 

• Critical awareness, encouraging students to question narratives, understand context, and appreciate the complexity of human experiences. 
• Cultural and social understanding, helping students connect with diverse perspectives and global developments. 
• A foundation for future success, equipping students with transferable skills valued by employers and educators, including analysis, communication, and problem-solving. 

Our History curriculum inspires students to engage with the past, reflect on the present, and envision a better future. By helping them understand the impact of history on their lives, we prepare them to thrive as informed and active global citizens. 

For full details of the History curriculum for all year groups, please see below. If you have any queries, please contact Mrs J Clifton, Head of History via jclifton@stcatherines.college