History
Introduction
Our teaching of History at KPHS aims to give students knowledge and understanding of the numerous cultures, geographical locations, and ethnicities from the past in order for them to make sense of the complexity of our modern world. At Kingsway Park we seek to offer a pioneering curriculum that reflects our diverse school community and exposes students to new cultures, creating a sense of belonging and enabling them to gain key cultural capital in order for them to make sense of the local, national and global world. We look at causes and consequences of key events and explore changes and continuities over vast time periods. We are interested in how societies have been shaped by power, conflict, belief, and change.
We want our students to be independent thinkers who can analyse and evaluate a wide range of sources and historical interpretations to give them a broad and in-depth insight into what life was like in the past. We study social, economic, local and military sources, documents and artefacts, enabling students to gain a well-rounded portrayal of medieval to modern history. Throughout our curriculum we offer multiple opportunities for students to contextualise their learning, co-operating with other subjects/disciplines through classroom-based learning, workshops and trips. Our overall aim is to ensure all our students have the knowledge and ability to become socially responsible citizens. We know that mediation and reliability are key issues for young people to explore in modern times. Our students learn to question the reliability of evidence, recognise differing perspectives, and construct substantiated judgements - skills that are essential in an age of widespread information and misinformation.
How History Supports Our School Values
We Co-operate
When students in our classrooms discuss differing interpretations of source material, they work together to form a better understanding. Students are encouraged to listen to each other, challenge perspectives and co-construct interpretations. Thinking together prepares them for balanced arguments and respectful disagreements.
We Pioneer
Our History curriculum builds academic independence which is at the heart of pioneering thought. Ideas aren’t fixed and we teach our students that it is important in our modern world to rethink what has been long-since accepted as historical fact.
We Belong
Our curriculum spends time looking at ordinary lives and a variety of classes and cultures. We teach our students to recognise how their own identity links with the past. We want all our students to feel included in our planned-out study of time and change.
Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) in History
Studying History develops critical thinking, analytical reasoning, research skills, and the ability to evaluate evidence and form well-reasoned arguments. It also fosters cultural awareness, empathy, and reflective thinking, which are valuable in careers requiring careful analysis, communication, and decision-making.
Career Areas Linked to History:
- Heritage, Museums & Conservation – using knowledge of past societies, source evaluation, and contextual understanding to manage, preserve, and interpret cultural and historical assets.
- Research, Analysis & Policy – applying critical thinking, evidence evaluation, and argumentation skills to inform decisions in government, policy, or intelligence work.
- Education & Teaching – communicating historical knowledge, developing learners’ critical thinking, and fostering research and analytical skills.
- Law, Politics & Social Advocacy – using skills in analysis, argument formation, ethical reasoning, and evidence interpretation to engage with legal, political, and social justice contexts.
- Media, Publishing & Communication – applying writing precision, research skills, and storytelling to journalism, editing, and content creation with historical or cultural context.
For more information about careers linked to History, visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/groups/c0rx344r1g5t