Curriculum Intent

The curriculum at James Bateman is rich in knowledge.

James Bateman Middle School provides opportunities for all our pupils through our curriculum and wider educational opportunities. Our intent is to ensure that all pupils make outstanding progress and that our curriculum will remove any barriers that may affect their learning.

Subject-specifically, the curriculum is built around a progression model that ensures pupils incrementally gain deep knowledge and skills that are fundamental to each subject. Purposeful assessment is integral to the curriculum to ensure knowledge is fully embedded and highlights areas for development.

Throughout the curriculum there is a strong emphasis on developing;

• a ‘love of learning’.
• readiness, resilience and respectfulness: the skills required to be a productive member a diverse 21st century society
• an understanding of ‘British Values’ and the implications for life in modern day Britain.
• pupils spiritual, moral, social and cultural learning.
• independence and enabling pupils to become creative, critical thinkers.
• an understanding of the importance, through the careers programme, of the opportunities available to pupils once they leave school.

At the heart of the school is the focus on broadening pupils’ cultural horizons to ensure they are able to continue to the next stage of their educational journey.

Implementation

At James Bateman Middle School, the history curriculum inspires students to delve into the past and gain a deeper understanding of how it has influenced the world we live in today. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to engage students in a wide variety of historical themes and periods. Students study a range of topics including, Ancient Civilisations, Medieval Europe, Early Modern History, Modern World History and Local History.

High-quality teaching ensures that lessons are tailored to meet the needs of all ages and abilities so that every student achieves their full potential.

Our curriculum is enriched by a diverse range of resources, including textbooks, online materials, documentaries, and artefacts. These resources are carefully selected to support student learning and engagement, ensuring that our students have ample opportunity to explore historical topics in depth and from multiple perspectives.

The curriculum is inclusive, where every student has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their ability.

Impact

Ready, Resilient, Respectful

The history curriculum provides our students with a understanding of the past and equips them with the skills and qualities needed to succeed in the future. The curriculum fosters a sense of readiness, resilience, and respect, empowering students to navigate the challenges of the modern world with confidence and compassion.

Our curriculum encourages resilience, teaching students to persevere in the face of adversity and uncertainty. By exploring the struggles and triumphs of historical figures and societies, our students gain a sense of perspective and empathy, helping them to cope with the challenges of their own lives.

Respect for different cultures and perspectives is actively promoted. We honour Black History Month every October and celebrate monumental events such as King Charles’ Coronation, providing students with opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of these events in shaping our world. Our field trips, such as visits to the Transatlantic Slavery Museum in Liverpool and the Chatterley Whitfield Coal Mine, allow our students to connect with history on a personal level, developing empathy and understanding for those who have come before us.

Evidence of Knowledge and Skills

Assessing a student’s understanding of history is a crucial. Through formative assessment, our teachers tailor their instruction to meet the needs of students, providing them with the resources and tools they need to succeed.

End-of-unit assessments take place that allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the material in a variety of ways. Whether through a quiz, presentation, or discussion, these assessments provide students with an opportunity to showcase their learning and engage in critical thinking and analysis.

Student Voice

At James Bateman Middle School, our students are active participants in their own learning journey.  Teachers cultivate a positive attitude towards history and encourage students to take ownership of their learning by consistently reviewing and retrieving the knowledge and skills they have acquired.

Our learning environment is supportive, engaging and fosters a sense of community where students feel empowered to become confident, curious, and critical thinkers. We value the opinions and contributions of each student and encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas, knowing that their voices are heard and respected.

Click here to view the Autumn 1 term Knowledge Organisers

Click here to view the History Progression Map