The history department offers an exciting range of topics and skills, designed to make pupils think and question. They become history detectives, sifting through evidence, working out which sources are most useful, exploring when things happened, why, who says so, and analysing connections between time periods.
We aim to make connections throughout the topics we study in order to reveal how relevant history is to us today and how it links with other subjects in the curriculum. Local history also plays an important part and Alvechurch is a rich source of evidence from different eras.
“History is a subject to be investigated not received!”
What is distinctive about History at Alvechurch C of E Middle School:
Learning at AMS takes a variety of forms, including pair and group work, role play, filming, game-playing, extended research projects and mini-teaching
An emphasis is on active learning and critical thinking. We aim to equip our pupils with the skills to make sense of history, relate it to their own lives and maintain a lifelong sense of curiosity
We support engagement in the subject with an historical library that supports pupils development in literacy by developing their interest in topics they are studying as well as ‘History on the Board’!
Pupils are encouraged to answer “Big Questions” about the
past, enabling them to formulate their own opinions and perspectives on events
that have shaped the world they live in today
The ” Big Questions” support the progression of second order concepts: cause/consequence, change/continuity, evidential understanding and interpretations
Every question develops or consolidates a skill. These skills are delivered through a variety of methods including visual, written, audio and film, integrating literacy, ICT and citizenship
The Curriculum Journey for every pupil in History looks like this:
How can you support your child in History?
Visit historical sites together, museums, castles, forts, ruins etc.
Encourage children to read/watch historical documentaries or fun shows like horrible histories on the BBC
Ask other members of your family about what they know about the history of our area
Encourage them, and take them to, the local library where artefacts are displayed alongside knowledgeable librarians!
Discuss how current affairs on the news and age appropriate documentaries have been shaped by historical events, e.g. Israel/Palestine, Ukraine/Russia.
