Download Year 8

Overview of Year 8 History Curriculum
Pupils will begin the year with a study on The Stuarts and life in Britain in the 17th Century. This is followed
by a unit of study on Britain in an era of the Industrial Age focussing on the Industrial Revolution, the
British Empire and Transatlantic Slavery. In the spring and summer terms pupils will complete an in-depth
study of the causes, events and consequences of the First World War. Pupils continue to apply and develop
the historical skills they learnt in Year 7, in order to find and evaluate evidence and reach conclusions.
Life in England in the 17th Century: Was the world turned upside down?
The unit explores the rule of the Stuarts, principally those of James I and Charles I, before looking at life
in England under Cromwell. Throughout the unit pupils will be encouraged to consider through the careful
engagement with primary and secondary source material a number of historical enquiries which include the
Gunpowder Plot, who was to blame for the English Civil War, and why Parliament won the Civil War. Building
upon work undertook in Year 7 pupils will consider the limitations placed upon a monarch’s power and how
this compared to that of monarchs in the Medieval Period. They will also look at how Parliament tried to
grapple with Charles as an absolute monarch, and how they tried to assert greater control over him during
his reign. The unit also focuses upon the trial and execution of Charles I as well as the changes made by
Cromwell during his time as Lord Protector. Pupils will also consider how far these changes were significant
for ordinary people living in the 17th Century.
The unit culminates with a study of why there are so many diverse interpretations about him, ranging from
19th century views of the ‘Lord Protector’ as a great reformer and a man of principle, to more modern
interpretations of his actions in Ireland that depict him as an inhuman monster, like Hitler and Stalin. This
is an important topic to investigate because ever since Cromwell became ruler of England after defeating
King Charles I in the civil war, there have been different viewpoints which have caused controversy about
this infamous man whose statue appears outside the Houses of Parliament in London.
How were different people in Liverpool affected by the Industrial Revolution?
This is primarily a social history unit, looking at the impact of big changes in society and the economy on
people’s everyday lives. Therefore, although pupils will spend some time studying the causes of the
Industrial Revolution and the main changes it brought about, the focus is more on the effects of these
changes. Pupils will look at how different groups (e.g. rich/ poor; adults/ children) were affected by the
same changes in varying ways. There is also a local history element, as the unit looks specifically at the
experiences of people in Liverpool during the period.
Should Britain apologise for its role in the Slave Trade?
Pupils will be taught about the reasons for the growth of the British Empire and its impact of this not only
upon the economy and the population of Britain, but for those living in the newly acquired colonies.
Pupils will examine and explain the links between the wealth of the slave traders and the impact of the
Slave Trade on Britain whilst gaining an understanding of the experience of a captured slave on a plantation.
Students will consider why we are presented with a particular interpretation of history, and will come to
conclusions about the “stories” told using sources to structure their thinking. This unit asks pupils to
connect with the experiences of slavery and explore what happens when one race sets itself up as superior
to another. This theme will be revisited across the Key Stage.
The causes, events and consequences of the First World War
Pupils will learn about the causes of the First World War, including the growth of empires, the alliance
system, the Schlieffen Plan and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Pupils will then go on to
study the nature of trench warfare on the Western Front before undertaking an in-depth study of the
impact of the conflict both on Europe and the wider world.
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 four AFL Assessments in Year 8 which focus on Interpretations of Cromwell, the living and
working conditions in Britain during the Industrial Revolution, Transatlantic Slavery and the causes of the
First World War. 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 8 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.