Brilliant KS3 History Teaching: Curriculum, Literacy and Historical Thinking

Course Code: T0429 £289.00

ABOUT THIS COURSE

This practical and thought-provoking course explores how to design and deliver a high-quality Key Stage 3 History curriculum that builds strong historical knowledge, develops disciplinary thinking, and engages students in meaningful historical enquiry. The course will examine how departments can sequence their curriculum effectively, strengthen literacy and reading within History, and support students in developing confident historical writing.

It will also explore approaches to assessment at KS3 that genuinely reflect students’ historical understanding. Delegates will leave with practical strategies, curriculum ideas and classroom approaches to ensure their KS3 History teaching builds curiosity, rigour and strong foundations for future study.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

  • Teachers of KS3 History
  • Heads of History or Humanities
  • Teachers new to teaching Key Stage 3 History
  • History teachers looking to improve curriculum design, literacy and assessment at KS3
  • Subject leaders reviewing or redeveloping their KS3 History curriculum 

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

  • Develop a clearer understanding of what excellent KS3 History teaching and curriculum design looks like.
  • Explore practical strategies to increase engagement and historical curiosity in KS3 lessons.
  • Gain approaches to strengthen reading, literacy and disciplinary language in History.
  • Learn how to support students in producing stronger historical explanations and extended writing.
  • Discover effective ways to design meaningful and manageable KS3 assessments.
  • Take away practical ideas and strategies that can be implemented immediately in your department.

PROGRAMME

10.00am: What Makes Excellent KS3 History? Setting the Foundations
  • Defining the purpose of KS3 History: building knowledge, curiosity and disciplinary thinking.
  • Ensuring KS3 prepares students effectively for GCSE through strong substantive knowledge and historical concepts.
  • Examples of engaging and ambitious KS3 History practice that develops confident young historians.
11.00am: Break
11.15am: Where to Start? Improving and Implementing a Successful KS3 History Curriculum
  • Analysing examples of successful curriculum sequencing from different schools and contexts.
  • Strategies to maximise engagement and curiosity through coherent enquiries and thematic studies.
  • Reviewing examples of successful departmental improvement plans and practical implementation strategies.
12.00pm: Literacy and History: Strengthening Reading and Disciplinary Literacy at KS3
  • Supporting students to read and interpret challenging historical texts and sources.
  • Developing historical vocabulary and disciplinary language to strengthen understanding.
  • Practical strategies to improve reading, comprehension and source interpretation in KS3 History.
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm: Write Like a Historian – Developing Strong Historical Writing at KS3
  • Strategies to help students structure clear historical explanations, arguments and judgements.
  • Supporting both lower- and higher-attaining students to succeed in extended historical writing.
  • Teaching effective approaches to source analysis and interpretation.
2.30pm: Break
2.35pm: Mastering Assessment at KS3
  • Designing meaningful KS3 assessments that showcase historical knowledge and understanding.
  • Approaches to assessing disciplinary thinking without over-reliance on levels.
  • Using assessment to identify gaps, strengthen curriculum delivery and improve outcomes.
3.30pm: Reflection, Planning and Next Steps
  • Key takeaways from the day and identifying priorities for your KS3 History provision.
  • Practical strategies to implement immediately in the classroom or department.
  • Final discussion, questions and next steps.
4.00pm: Depart 
GCSE - Code: T0429

Brilliant KS3 History Teaching: Curriculum, Literacy and Historical Thinking

COURSE LEADER

Alex Anderson is an experienced Head of Humanities and Senior Examiner based in the North East of England and has been teaching AQA GCSE History for 11 years. Throughout this time, she has worked with a wide range of students, securing excellent outcomes in three schools across the region.

She has been a Senior Examiner for AQA for the past seven years, working across various GCSE History units. She has expert insight into the course structure and grading criteria, allowing her to clearly explain how different grades can be achieved across the papers. As a result, she has supported other schools in improving their AQA History results and successfully implementing the specification. She has also contributed to GCSE History revision resources, having written a revision workbook for Hodder and developed additional materials for their website.

As a Course Leader, she is passionate about supporting teachers in breaking down barriers to learning and ensuring students achieve their full potential.

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Course Brochure

History Cover