YEAR 7 HISTORY AT FARRINGTON SCHOOL

In Year 7 we begin by concentrating on developing the basic skills required to do well in History. We therefore begin with a section of work entitled 'What is History'. The pupils are taught key words and phrases, chronology/timelines, source comprehension, source evaluation, and causation (why did something happen). This is done by using a variety of teaching methods and resources. These include historical games such as 'The Dustbin Game', where the pupils are given their own little dustbin with a variety of 'rubbish' inside. They first have to sort out their rubbish to see exactly what evidence they have. Then using that evidence they have to answer a set of questions. To do this well they have to choose the pieces of evidence that are useful to answer specific questions, and which prove and support their answer. This develops comprehension and evaluation skills in a fun way. This is then developed by investigating the 'Body in the Bog' or 'Tollund Man' if you prefer. The skills required to do well with 'Tollund Man' are exactly the same as those for 'The Dustbin Game'.

For the rest of the year we follow the National Curriculum by looking at British History - The Medieval Realms 1066 - 1500. Although the content is now historical the skills developed through the 'What is History' section are used and developed by looking at historical events and characters. Again, the methods and resources used are varied, including ICT, films and documentaries, power point slides (some interactive), various web sites which include information, lessons and historical games (the best of these, if you would like to have a look is www.schoolhistory.co.uk/), textbooks, worksheets, artefacts/replicas and roleplay. The pupils are encouraged to question and to provide their own opinions and views from the very beginning, as long as they can support their views. A good example is the work the pupils do on 'Who Should be King - 1066?' We start by using a power point show based on the 'Blind Date' game, where the claimants to the throne have to convince the people of England to choose them as King of England (this could also be acted out). Having asked each contestant three questions the country (class) decide who they think should be King and explain why. The pupils then use extra information from their textbooks and the internet to make a more informed choice, and at each stage they must explain their choice by including evidence/reasons for their chosen candidate.

In History we are also very keen to include more unusual ways to learn. At the moment we invite a group of Medieval re-enactors to come to Farringtons for a morning to help give the pupils a real hands-on experience. Some of the pupils are dressed in replica outfits and all the pupils get the chance to have a go at medieval crafts (making a box) and even making a remedy for curing the 'Plague'. It all helps to bring History alive and it fits in well with what we learn in class. For the last three years we have also taken the pupils on various trips. To date these have included visits to Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle.

To sum up what we teach in Year 7, we begin with a section on History skills (What is History), and for most of the year we study Medieval British History. This includes 1066 and the Battle of Hastings: The Norman Conquest: Henry II and Thomas Becket: King John - Good or Bad?: Magna Carta: Crime and Punishment: Village Life: Town Life: the Church: The Black Death: the War of the Roses. Pupils get one 50 minute lesson a week and homework is set as regularly as possible. Starting in 2oo6, it is hoped to have a special homework book which will test skills and content. Assessment is based on specific pieces of work completed throughout the year as well as an introductory baseline test at the start of the year and an end of year examination.