“History teaches students to question how and why things change, who drives those changes, whose interests are served, and who gets left out… Through history they become disciplined, rigorous thinkers, independent-minded analysts, and, I would argue, more compassionate human beings.” – Jason Steinhauer, historian.

Our curriculum vision

Our aim is to help students understand how history has shaped our present world and continues to do so. Our History curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the world we live in. Through engaging and challenging lessons, students will explore a range of social, political and cultural histories. We aim to equip every student with the tools to question evidence, understand cause and consequence, and make informed decisions about the present and future. By studying History, our students not only learn about the past but also build the skills and confidence to become thoughtful, active citizens in today’s society.

Year 9

In Year 9, students will continue to build on the National Curriculum, which started in Year 7s and 8. There are a range of historical enquiries on a global, national and local scale. Lessons also address how different groups of society were impacted by historical developments separately, including among class, race and gender.

Topics covered include the social impact of the Industrial Revolution, the causes and consequences of the First World War, the failure of peace during the inter-war years, the global scale of the Second World War, and Post-War migration to Britain. These units help students develop their ability to interpret evidence, understand change over time, and connect history to the modern world.

*Year 9 History curriculum map PDF *

Years 10 and 11

Choosing History at Harlington Upper School means building on knowledge earned in Year 9. History It students with vital transferable skills, including the ability to evaluate information, think critically, and solve complex problems—essential in today’s media-rich and fast-changing world.

Studying history develops reading, writing, memory, and chronological understanding. It’s a respected academic subject, valued by universities as a facilitating discipline.

Beyond academic success, history fosters a lifelong interest and enjoyment. Whether students prefer military, political, or social history, our aim is to inspire curiosity and a lasting passion for the subject.

We have chosen a diverse and engaging specification within the current curriculum to reflect this.

*Year 10 and 11 History curriculum map PDF *