History is a foundation subject in the National Curriculum. Among other things, the study of history within the school curriculum introduces pupils to an understanding of the past and its interpretation, helps pupils develop a sense of identity; and encourages a critical approach to the use of evidence. The key purposes of history in the National Curriculum are to help pupils develop:- a sense of chronology; knowledge and understanding of concepts such as change and causation; skills in the use of evidence.
The content of the history syllabus for Year 8 is:-
1. Wales and Britain in the Early Modern World c1500-c1760.
2. Migration and Emigration - The Vikings
The studying these topics, pupils will build on and develop a number of skills and will participate in a range of experience.
Pupils should be taught:- to place events within their wider chronological framework; to describe, analyse and explain the cause and consequences of events, to consider how and why some events have been interpreted differently, to investigate topics independently and to use and evaluate a range of sources in their historical context; to ask and answer significant questions; to communicate with increasing independence in a variety of ways.
In the course of their study they will have experience of :-
*Using a wide range of historical sources.
*Using Information Technology
*Fieldwork
*Project and Group Work.
*Enhancing their Literacy / Numeracy Skills / Curriculum Cymraeg
*Thinking Skills, Investigation work, Independent learning.
Pupils are assessed regularly as part of the teaching/learning process. Certain areas of work are targeted for more formal assessment. These are:-
Wales and Britain in the Early Modern World:
Why did Henry Tudor win the Battle of Bosworth?
What problems did the Tudor monarchs face?
Why did the Spanish Armada attack and fail?
Were the Gunpowder plotters framed?
Why did the English Civil War happen?
Why did Parliament win the Civil War?
Why was poverty and witchcraft such a problem?