Why We Study History 

At South Norwood, we believe the study of history should provide students with a complex and diverse knowledge of the past through an exploration of primary and secondary sources. It should provide students with the tools to recognise that although the past is unalterable, its history is not fixed and is subject to change. The study of history should therefore give students the conceptual framework to think critically, to distinguish between claim and opinion, to form arguments and make reasoned judgements based on the weight of evidence. It should provide students with the knowledge to locate themselves in the present and to understand the inescapable relevance of the past. Our mantra for our curriculum is ‘Accept nothing, question everything.

What studying History is like at HASN 

In History lessons, students explore a wide range of periods, societies, and perspectives from the past. Most lessons include opportunities to analyse historical sources, examine key events, and hear diverse viewpoints through documents, images, and first-hand accounts, helping students develop a deeper understanding of different experiences and interpretations.

In History, students express their ideas through extended writing, engaging with challenging questions through essays and detailed written responses. They also discuss and debate historical interpretations, developing their oracy skills. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore differing viewpoints, and evaluate evidence before forming their own well-supported judgments.

Students study History in a safe and respectful environment at Harris Academy South Norwood, where they listen to one another and value different perspectives. This reflects and reinforces the school’s ethos of diversity, encouraging students to understand the past while respecting the views of others.

All History curriculum documents appear below: