HISTORY

At Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School, we believe that all students deserve a broad and ambitious History curriculum.

Rich in skills and knowledge, we believe all students deserve the opportunity to access a wealth of historical experience, regardless of circumstance, economic status or ability and enable them to understand their place in the world while developing tolerance and compassion for their fellow citizens.

“The study and writing of history helps to keep the flame of collective conscience alive.”

Pope Francis

Grounded in our core Catholic values of Respect, Compassion, and Aspiration, our History curriculum aims to:

Develop a strong sense of identity, by enabling students to understand their place in the world, from local history to global heritage.
Illuminate British and global narratives to foster empathy and understanding across cultures and perspectives.
Teach students to engage critically with sources and viewpoints, recognizing that more than one viewpoint can be both accurate and valid.
Encourage moral reflection, as students examine the misuse of power, the impact of actions on different groups, and the enduring effects of historical events.
Inspire aspiration by introducing remarkable historical figures, nurturing analytical skills, and supporting further study in history and related fields.
Build academic literacy through explicit teaching of reading skills, exposure to historical fiction and non-fiction, and fostering critical, evidence-based discussion.

We believe that all students have the ability to achieve, and should be encouraged to do so through an engaging curriculum which is tailored to their needs and experience.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to reflect chronological understanding and depth of knowledge, enabling students to transition seamlessly from curiosity to comprehension and critical thinking:

Key Stage 3 begins locally and nationally, with progression towards understanding global and moral dimensions of historical issues, reinforced through active discussions and debates.
Key Stage 4 follows the AQA GCSE History specification. Students develop analysis, argumentation, and historical interpretation through thematic and depth studies, supported by knowledge organisers and source-based enquiry.

Lessons consistently emphasize historical thinking skills using source evaluation, contextual understanding, and constructing balanced judgments.

Our approach ensures students can see how past events have shaped today’s world.

History at Saints Peter and Paul is a transformative subject that supports:

Spiritual development through wonder and awe in exploring human experience across time.
Moral formation by engaging with narratives of justice, oppression, and compassion.
Social growth through collaborative research and respectful discussion and debate.
Cultural awareness by understanding diversity and the interconnectedness of societies, fostering global solidarity.

In line with Catholic Social Teaching, our curriculum invites students to reflect on human dignity, the common good, and their role in building a just and compassionate society.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & Catholic Values

CURRICULM IMPACT

We measure our History curriculum success by:

excellent outcomes

Skilled critical thinkers with advanced literacy, reasoning, and evaluative capabilities.

ETHICAL APPLICATION

Our students become informed and thoughtful citizens who understand how the past has shaped the present.

LIFELONG LEARNERS

Inspired by history, many of our students pursue further study in the subject or applying historical insights to careers in law, politics, journalism, teaching, and beyond.