Teacher in Charge: Ms J.Wornell
Whitworth Community High School
History Department
Year 8 Learning Overview
Organisation of the classes: History is taught in the same teaching groups as other humanities subjects. Teaching group sizes vary. The pupils have one lesson per week.
Key Concepts
As part of the Black Peoples of the Americas unit, the following concepts will be
taught: slavery, exploitation, liberty, freedom, racism, abolition. As part of the The
Birth of the Industrial Nation unit the following concepts will be taught - domestic
industry, industrialisation, reform, democracy, universal suffrage.
What will you be learning?
There are two main themes. In the Black Peoples of the America you will study the
trans-Atlantic slave trade, slavery in America, rebellion and escape and the
abolition of slavery. In the Birth of the Industrial Nation you will find out about
when, how and why Britain was transformed into the first industrial nation
focussing on the developing of factories, child labour, living conditions in the new
Industrial cities and the emergence of reform movements like the Chartists.
How will your learning be assessed?
You will complete 6 assessments one each half term.
You will also complete two mock exams one in November and one in June.
Equipment needed?
Normal equipment for school, coloured pencils can also be useful.
SMSC Links – Focus on Aspirations
You will see how some individuals had a significant impact on the society through
their actions including Olaudah Equiano and Harriet Tubman.
What skills do I use in this subject?
Developing the ability to ask relevant questions about the past; Interpreting
sources and interpretations and using them to investigate key questions;
developing the ability to organise and communicate historical knowledge and
understanding in different ways and reach judgements based on historical
knowledge and evidence; Identifying bias and evaluating evidence based on utility
and reliability.
How will you be learning?
Through whole class and small group discussion; By expressing your ideas and
understanding in writing; Through independent research and investigation; By
watching films and documentaries; By reading and discussing texts and sources;
through role play and drama; use of IT for research and presentation of
information.
Home Learning
Formal Home Learning tasks are set each term.
How can your parents support your learning?
Discussions at home about the topics you are covering will extend your thinking
and give you different perspectives. You will also benefit from reading books or
watching films linked to the topics being covered.
What extra-curricular activities or enrichment opportunities are available?
In the past there have been trips to local and national sites of historic importance
and relevance.