Overview of Year 7 History Curriculum
Pupils are taught at the start of the Autumn term the Historical Skills needed to study History as a
part of a unit on the Romans. This is followed by the study of Britain in the Medieval Period, 10661509. In the Spring and Summer terms pupils learn about the development of Church, state and
society in Britain 1509-1603.
How has Rome influenced life in Britain? (Pre-1066)
The initial focus in this unit will be on enabling pupils to develop the skills required to study History.
Pupils will examine the essential tools of chronology, and evidence through a range of activities
designed to allow them to access the subject effectively. Pupils will learn what is required to be a good
historian and will then have the opportunity to put these skills into use across the scope of the Year 7
programme of study.
The second part of this unit focuses on the Roman invasion of Britain and the subsequent impact this
had on people and society. It will allow pupils to examine life in Britain before the Romans and enable
them to question how far the country and its people were changed by the invasion. The initial part of
this topic will focus on the development and growth of the Roman Empire, life in Britain before the
Romans and a brief examination of the Roman invasion of Britain in AD43. Pupils will then go onto
assess the broader changes and continuities in British life as a consequence of the Roman invasion,
followed by lessons on the effectiveness of the Roman Army in Britain, the reasons behind Boudicca’s
rebellion in 61AD and what happened to Britain after the Romans left in 410AD.
The development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain (1066-1509)
Pupils will be taught about the causes and consequences of the Norman Invasion of 1066, and aspects
of life in Medieval England. The focus will be on the battles of 1066, the methods used by the
Normans to control England, and the key political, social and religious events, for instance the Murder
of Thomas Becket, the signing of the Magna Carta and the Black Death.
The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745
The unit explores the reputation of Henry VIII and encourages students to consider through the
careful engagement with primary and secondary source material whether he deserves the title ‘Henry
the Great.’ After completing this source enquiry students will focus on religious change brought about
by the English Reformation in the 16th Century. They will explore the origins of the changes from
Catholicism to Protestantism which culminated in the Tudor religious reforms. Pupils will also consider
why these changes were so significant for ordinary people living in the 16th Century. The unit also
focuses upon the problems Elizabeth I faced during her reign, religion, marriage, the execution of
Mary Queen of Scots and her use of propaganda to control public opinion of her, both at home and
abroad before finally looking at the causes and events of the Spanish Armada. Pupils will also be
encouraged to establish the links between these events before considering how effective Elizabeth
was when tackling these problems. The unit culminates with a study of Crime and Punishment within the
Tudor period. This links with their study in the previous unit of Crime and Punishment in the middle
Ages. Pupils will be required to compare the methods of punishment used in both periods as well as
contrasting it to the punishments criminals in the modern age are given.
Homework
This is set once a fortnight according to the homework timetable and supports work in the classroom.
This will include written work; research about various people or events and revision for assessments.
Pupils are encouraged to complete this work to the best of their ability and use, where possible, ICT
to develop their technological skills.
Examinations/Key assessments
There are five AFL Assessments in Year 7; one is a baseline assessment in which pupils investigate
what happened to the Tollund Man, one is based on the Romans in Britain, and the remainder focus on
Medieval History. These are assessed according to the National Curriculum Levels in History. Pupils
will also sit an end of year test in History to assess their overall understanding of the Year 7
programme of study.
How Parents can help
Ensure that History homework tasks which are set on Show my Homework are completed once a
fortnight to a high standard. Please encourage your child to use the internet to carry out research.
Pupils should write up any information found in their own words. Also check that your son has the
equipment needed for lessons, such as a pen.