History
The history curriculum at Bishop Barrington Academy enables our students to:
1. Think like a ‘historian’
2. Develop a curiosity and fascination about the past and
3.Empathise with past events and understand that some struggles are still present today.
The intent of our balanced and rigorous history curriculum is for all students, regardless of their starting points, to acquire a deep chronological understanding of British and World History; to develop the confidence to form strong arguments and make sustained judgments.
Our curriculum will enable students to demonstrate secure historical knowledge through coherent and clear connections between topics and historical periods. The sequencing of our curriculum ensures integrated progression of learning the development of key historical themes and second order concepts, including: causation, consequence, change, continuity and significance.
The history curriculum at Bishop Barrington Academy develops students’ sense of identity, develops their understanding of their place in the world and their role as global citizens. Within the context of our local area, students are exposed to the rich history of Bishop Auckland and surrounding areas, through studies and enrichment opportunities with The Auckland Project, as well as studies of Escomb Saxon Church, Binchester Roman Fort and Durham Cathedral. Our curriculum recognises the possible limitations that a disadvantaged background may have. As well as providing cultural experiences which may not be otherwise accessible to some of our students, our curriculum develops student knowledge and understanding of diversity, and understanding how and why the world has changed through the lens of experiences by different sections of society.
In line with our RISE values at Bishop Barrington Academy, the curriculum embeds respect, excellence, inspiration and resilience into the heart of all of our historical enquiries. The enquiry thread within the curriculum enables students to become critical of information they are exposed to, through their rigorous analysis of source material and interpretations.
Another vital thread is woven throughout our curriculum; that is curiosity and a love of learning. Students are inspired to be curious to know more about the past and are encouraged to develop a love of learning which will continue beyond their academic life. It is understood that no history curriculum is fixed or complete, however the overarching aim of our curriculum is for students to complete their history curriculum journey with a deep understanding of how far Britain and the wider world have embraced British fundamental values.
Click HERE to find out more about our curriculum rationale.
