Ofsted Outstanding

Year 8 History

Guidance for parents

What will students be studying in History this year?

In Year 8 students will continue to build on the historical skills they began to develop in Year 7 – in evidence, interpretation, causation and communicating about the past.   They will use these skills alongside developing a chronological understanding of the past.  Students in Year 8 will begin by looking at Elizabethan England before moving on to the Stuart age, the Gunpowder Plot, the English Civil War, the Protectorate under Oliver Cromwell and the Glorious Revolution. Students understanding of this period will be focused on power, privilege and politics so in summer term, the focus will be on the everyday lives of people who built Victorian Britain and contributed to the ‘age of empire’ Students will gain a greater insight into the living and working conditions of mill and factory workers during the Industrial Revolution which will give them a different perspective from their studies thus far.

What are the major assessments this year?

Students will complete six assessments over the course of the year, allowing them two opportunities to develop in each area. Assessments are reviewed yearly and are subject to change with most taking place during lesson time, we have found this to be beneficial for students in terms of teacher support.    The assessment calendar for Year 8 is available on the school website.

What will the current performance grade be based on and what do the levels mean?

The current performance grades are based on all the assessed work she completes this year including her end of year examination.  Her oral contributions in class will also inform staff about her level of engagement with the subject.  All students are issued with a History level descriptors sheet at the start of the academic year which gives students clear criteria for each level in each skill.

What should my daughter do if she feels she is struggling in the subject?

She should talk to her teacher first as it could be a simple matter of misunderstanding a task or a topic. She should try and be specific about what she finds particularly challenging and the support offered may differ depending on the nature of the challenge.   She may be paired with a 6th form subject student leader in History who can offer longer term support or with a student in the year above who will have recent experience of the Year 8 course.

How can I support my daughter in Year 8?

The best way to support your daughter is by talking to her about what she is studying in History and  about how she is getting on.  Students should be encouraged to complete homework in a quiet area of the home without the distractions of siblings, television or mobile phones/ipads.  By signing your daughter’s planner on a weekly basis, you will be able to see what tasks she has been asked to complete for homework.

What kind of independent work should my daughter be completing?

Students will be asked to undertake research from time to time and this will be written in her planner as part of her homework.   Students who regularly review their class notes and chapters from their textbook are more likely to consolidate their historical knowledge and gain a deeper and more developed understanding of the past.

Who can I contact for further advice and information?

Please feel free to contact the Head of History at history@newsteadwood.co.uk if you have any queries about your daughter’s progress in History. 

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