Year 7 topics

Pupils are taught the SOW which encompasses the key areas in the National curriculum.

Topic 1 –What are the Key skills we need to use in History?

In the first half of the Autumn term pupils identify and begin to develop their key skills in History. Pupils look at chronological skills, extended answers, and source work skills.

Topic 2 –What happened at the Battle of Hastings?

Pupils look at the three contenders to become King of England in 1066, and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. The tactics in the Battle of Hastings of each side are reviewed, and an evaluation of why William of Normandy won the battle is discussed.

Topic 3- Was the Norman King William, a more successful ruler in comparison to the English King John?

In the Autumn term, pupils in Year 7 also study how William I came to power in 1066, and the problems he faced as monarch of England. Pupils evaluate how effective William was as a monarch,

Topic 4- Was King Henry VIII’s daughter Elizabeth, a better monarch then her dad?

Pupils also study and compare the Tudor monarch’s Henry Viii, Edward Vi, Mary I and Elizabeth I. Key events in the life’s of each monarch are studied, and the impact each key event had on the leadership and rule of England. Pupils consider, who was the more successful monarch, and why?

Topic 5- What were the murder mysteries of the Tudors and Stuarts?

Another topic studied in Year 7 is mysteries and executions. Pupils look at historical mysteries such as the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower in 1483, and form an opinion using evidence about what happened to the boys. Pupils decide if Lady Dudley really was murdered or if it was a tragic accident, There is a debate about why Charles I the King of England in 1649 was executed, was he a martyr, or was he really a traitor.