Curriculum Planning at key stage 3

Effective KS3 history curriculum planning is about much more than deciding which topics to teach in Years 7, 8 and 9. A strong curriculum needs a clear rationale, carefully sequenced historical knowledge, meaningful enquiries and opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding of key historical concepts and disciplinary thinking.

This section provides practical guidance to help history departments plan a coherent and ambitious Key Stage 3 curriculum. Explore advice on curriculum rationale and curriculum models, long-term, medium-term and short-term planning, alongside guidance on creativity, literacy, numeracy and the effective use of technology in history. The aim is to help departments create a curriculum that builds knowledge and historical understanding progressively across KS3 while keeping history challenging, engaging and purposeful.