Year 7 History Curriculum Plan
Year 7 pupils study Mediaeval History, focusing mainly on England in the period 1066-1381 and looking at cause and effect and change over time.
The History Learning Site is a good starting point for investigating Medieval England. There are links to many of the topics we study in Year 7. History on the Net also has a good list of topics on medieval life.
In addition to classroom learning, pupils will develop research and ICT skills by doing project work; they also visit Middleham Castle as part of the Year 7 outdoor education visit to Ribblehead in the Yorkshire Dales.
Progress is monitored through regular homework and by means of a termly assessment which focuses on key skills. Pupils will learn how to evaluate historical evidence and develop an understanding of the usefulness, reliability, purpose and bias of a range of primary and secondary sources. The evaluation skills developed in Years 7, 8 and 9 are the foundations for the study of History at GCSE level
The Norman Conquest and its impact on England
The best website and starting point for the events of 1066 is The Norman Conquest School Site. You can find a summary of the three contenders for the throne in 1066 here.
There is also a superb site that shows The Bayeux Tapestry scene by scene. You should view this site and, if you wish, a powerpoint slideshow about the Tapestry before answering the Bayeux Tapestry Assessment.
The Feudal System and Domesday Book
Here is a good description of The Feudal System. You will also learn about the Domesday Book. Two very good sites are: Focus on Domesday and Domesday - What can we learn?
Castles
The Conquest would not have been successful without the Normans' extraordinary skills in building castles. From the first Motte and Bailey Castle to the magnificent Castles of Wales of Edward 1, you will learn about the Development of Castles in this period. For a general introduction, you can go to the Medieval Castles Links Page.
The Medieval Manor
The Year 7 course includes a study of life in a medieval village. Go to Wharram Percy to find out about how most people in this period lived. There is also an interesting site about the manor of Chertsey and the importance of the Abbey in the lives of the people there. Your investigations will prepare you to write an essay on the life of a medieval villein.
The Medieval Church
Your study of the Church in the Middle Ages will begin with an investigation into the shocking murder of Thomas Becket. A good starting point is Thomas Becket links. You will also learn about Monasteries and the importance of the Church.
The Crusades
There is a good website on The First Crusade, which will help you find out about the origins of the Crusades. We will learn why so many people were willing to die and the effect the Crusades had on relations between the West and Islam.
The Black Death
Click on the following link to view a superb resource about The Black Death and its impact.
The Peasant's Revolt
Finally, your study of the medieval period will finish with an investigation into the Peasants' Revolt, including an online Exercise on the Peasants Revolt.
