In Key Stage 3 history, your child will study a local history, three British studies, a European study and two world studies. This will include learning about significant events, people and changes from the recent and more distant past.

Students approach topics from a variety of perspectives, including political, religious, social, cultural, aesthetic, economic, technological and scientific.

In the new curriculum, lessons focus more on themes and the international relevance of historical events.

Pupils show their understanding of what they have learnt by making connections between different periods and areas studied, and by using their historical knowledge to analyse the past and explain how it can be represented and interpreted in different ways.

Lesson examples

Here are some lessons that have been taught in schools for KS3 history:

• Studying the events leading up to and during the Battle of Hastings, year 7 pupils use a variety of sources to build up the sequence of events, including an exercise to put twelve extracts from the Bayeux Tapestry in chronological order. Pupils then work in groups to extrapolate the reasons why William was successful and why Harold lost, including the part played by forces outside the control of either man.
   
• Year 8 pupils analyse popular interpretations of early modern witchcraft. They then use a range of historical sources to describe and explain people's beliefs and attitudes. The class then split up into small groups in order to act out the trial of a local witchcraft case and consider the facts that influenced the outcome.
   
• A year 9 class is set the task of answering the question ‘What caused the Russian Revolution?' They are given both written and pictorial sources, which include photographs of Russian peasants, army deserters and a cartoon depicting Rasputin exercising control over the Tsar and Tsarina. The class work in groups to put together a timeline, which is to later aid them with an essay on the causes of the Russian Revolution.

Help your child at home

• Visit museums, art galleries, old castles and other places that could provide a physical link to the past.
   
• Get them talking to grandparents and elderly neighbours - real life stories provide an emotional link.
   
• Look out for old artefacts in jumble and car boot sales to kindle their interest.
   
• Have books and DVDs with a historical theme around the house that they will want to watch willingly without being forced.