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History A-Level

History Curriculum Intent

The Wixams History Curriculum strives to ignite a passion for understanding the past through rigorous inquiry that unlocks Powerful Knowledge. Students develop a coherent sense of chronology, connecting local, national and global histories to their own experiences. We emphasize critical thinking by encouraging learners to evaluate diverse sources, construct rigorous arguments and developing disciplinary knowledge to reveal the powerful processes of historical thinking. Through short enquiries —from medieval societies to modern rights movements—students build disciplinary skills to explore continuity and change across time, as well as causation and consequence, similarity and difference, historical interpretation and evidential thinking.

We integrate British history alongside world events to foster informed and responsible citizenship that cultivates empathy and respect for different cultures and communities, and represents the diverse backgrounds of our students. Regular opportunities for debate, group projects and reflection deepen engagement and develop collaborative skills.

Ultimately, we aim to nurture independent learners who are resilient, curious and inspired to use their historical thinking skills in their everyday life. Therefore, History at Wixams is not only about the past but a dynamic lens for understanding and shaping our shared future. Our History curriculum continuously evolves in response to historical scholarship and student voice, ensuring relevance and inspiration remain at its core.

Curriculum Implementation – Curriculum Map

 

 

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

Year 12

Tudors: Henry VII

 

Russia: 1917

Tudors: Henry VII

 

Russia: Bolshevik consolidation of power

 Tudors: Henry VIII

 

Russia: The Russian Civil War

 Tudors: Henry VIII

 

Russia: The NEP and Leadership contest

 Tudors: Henry VIII

 

Russia: The Great Turn and collectivisation

Tudors: Henry VIII and Edward VI

 

Russia: the Five Year Plans

Year 13

Tudors: Edward VI and Mary

 

Russia: Soviet economy and society

Tudors: Elizabeth

 

Russia: Russian foreign policy and the cult of leadership

Tudors: Elizabeth

 

Russia: The Great Patriotic War

Tudors Elizabeth

 

Russia: High Stalinism

Revision

 

Texts and Exam Boards

 

Year 12-13

Exam board

AQA

 

Core texts

Russia in Revolution

Tudor England

 

Useful resources

Our library has a well-stocked History selection

Various extended readings are available via the department website