HISTORY
Learning from the past, to understand the present in order to shape the future.
Pupils to think as historians, and seek out where they fit into the bigger picture by enquiring into how past societies have shaped our world today, learning from their triumphs and mistakes.
For pupils to take pride in their diversity and where they come from, and through the study of local and global history, understand their place in the world today.
Catholic Social Teaching in the History Curriculum
1. Dignity – In year 8 pupils study the Civil Rights movement in America. They learn about the desires and protests of African Americans, who sought the dignity of equal treatment with white Americans. Pupils learn about the indignity of living conditions in the Industrial Revolution; the rapid urbanisation and consequent decline in public health provide a juxtaposition with how we seek to have healthy and dignified working lives today. In year 9 a study of the Holocaust instils a desire to see and treat every person with loving respect.
​
2. Solidarity – As part of our thematic study on power and the people, in year 7 pupils learn about the attempts of the peasants and barons to challenge the power of the crown. The Peasants’ Revolt illustrates the importance of a solidarity amongst the people, whilst simultaneously highlighting the role of the power for structuring our social and political order. In year 8 the pupils examine the growth of democracy in Britain from 1800-1928. From a study of the people of Manchester during the incident at St Peter’s Field, through to the beginnings of trade unionism in the Matchgirls Strike, pupils learn about the impact of solidarity on British Civil Rights. Faith, even just in an idea, inspires us to act in solidarity.
​
3. The Common good – In year 8 pupils have an enquiry on whether we should be proud of the British Empire and the injustice of the plundering of countries around the world which was conducted by the British Empire. They learn about the abuse of Africans and the slave trade and the role of abolitionists in ending this barbaric practice, as no one should be excluded from the gifts of creation.
​
4. Option for the poor – In year 7 pupils learn about the abuses heaped upon the English poor during our enquiry asking, ‘Did the Normans bring a truckload of trouble?’ They also study the abuse of the rights of freeborn English people by King John and the signing of the Magna Carta. This example in particular highlights that God does not side with the oppressors but loves the humble.
​
5. Peace – In year 9 pupils’ study is on conflict and the causes of conflict. Mostly notably the causes of the First World War and the tragedy that followed. The suffering of the Second Cold War and lastly reasons why the Cold War was so terrifying. Through these enquiries they learn about the most dangerous times for humanity with the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the stand-off between the USSR and the USA during the Cuban Missile Crisis. We can draw parallels and lessons with the world today.
​
6. Creation and environment – One of our disciplinary concepts is to study consequences. Pope Francis invites everyone on the planet to consider how our actions are affecting the earth and the poorest people. We provide pupils with an analytical framework through which they can assess the impact of different events.
​
7. Dignity of work and participation – In year 8 pupils learn of the injustice and exploitation of workers by the rich during the Industrial Revolution. During term 1, all year 8 pupils are invited on a trip to Quarry Bank Mill to visualise these conditions as they would have been. We contrast the factory system with the domestic system that went before it. In the process we shine a light on the inhuman working conditions of the past, in turn, providing lessons for the employers and workers of the future.