In Year 8 history, our pupils explore some of the more challenging aspects of world history, encouraging them to consider their broader implications. Reflecting both our British and global contexts, our curriculum examines the foundations of the British Empire, with a focus on America, India, and China. This includes an in-depth analysis of slavery, imperialism, and the treatment of local populations under colonial rule.
History plays a crucial role in helping young people critically assess the modern world. Beyond acquiring factual knowledge, our pupils develop essential historical skills such as analysis, source evaluation, and critical thinking. Equally important is their ability to navigate the moral and global perspectives necessary for understanding complex ethical issues. At RSJ, our approach to history is straightforward: make lessons engaging, ensure learning is retained, and foster critical thinking. By doing so, we prepare our pupils to be informed and active participants in the world around them.
The lesson showcased here exemplifies this approach. Through fast-paced questioning, pupils actively engage with content, reinforcing knowledge retention and encouraging deeper thinking. Our pedagogy, rooted in cutting-edge teaching methods, ensures that pupils do not simply learn history—they actively participate in it.
In this lesson, pupils recall key facts about the early settlement and empire in America, using this knowledge to draw connections between settlement, conquest, the treatment of indigenous populations, and the foundations of the transatlantic slave trade. They are encouraged to explore the economic impact of slavery, both on those directly involved and on England as a whole, broadening their global perspective while reinforcing the link between cause and consequence.
The lesson culminates in a source analysis task, introducing new questions and perspectives. Because their foundational knowledge has been reinforced earlier in the lesson, pupils are well-prepared to interpret and engage with the source material. This leads to discussions on complex topics such as the role of protest, satire, and philanthropy, further developing their critical thinking skills and historical understanding.
