KS4 History

The KS4 curriculum

Vision

At KS4, we clearly identify the core historical knowledge that all students need to know and remember, and we equip students with the tools to independently learn and retain this knowledge over time. Our curriculum supports students to organise, revisit, and connect key content so that knowledge becomes secure and usable in new contexts.

A central aim at KS4 is to develop students as analytical writers. Through explicit teaching, modelling, and practice, students learn to construct extended responses about the past, working towards writing in a way where ‘there is a developed line of reasoning which is clear, relevant and logically structured’. Alongside this, we aim for students to deepen their disciplinary understanding of history by engaging more explicitly with disciplinary concepts.

GCSE History

Exam board: OCR (B) – Schools History Project

Exam board:

OCR (SHP B)

Number of exams:

3 in total

• 1 x 1 hour 45 minutes (Health and Normans)
• 1 x 1 hour 45 minutes (USA and Nazis)
• 1 x 1 hour (Bristol Docks)

The KS4 curriculum builds directly on the substantive and disciplinary foundations laid at KS3, revisiting key ideas such as power, change over time, connections, interpretations, and the use of evidence, but with greater depth, precision, and independence expected of students. The selected units provide breadth across periods and themes, and are chosen to deepen students’ historical knowledge while developing the skills needed for GCSE success.

In Year 10, The People’s Health, c.1250–present develops students’ understanding of long-term change and continuity, building on Year 7 and 8 work on the Middle Ages and early modern world, and Year 9 work on the 20th century. Living under Nazi Rule, 1933–1945 extends Year 9 work on ideologies, dictatorship, and the Second World War, while introducing a more complex understanding of power, compliance, and resistance. The Norman Conquest, 1065–1087 then allows students to revisit familiar KS3 content with greater analytical depth.

In Year 11, The Making of America, 1789–1900 is more conceptually demanding, requiring students to follow several different groups in American society over time, building on KS3 work on empire, colonisation, and contested historical stories. History Around Us: Bristol Docks also draws on local history work at KS3, deepening students’ ability to use the local environment as evidence and to analyse change and continuity in a familiar context. The sequencing reflects increasing conceptual challenge in Year 11, with students expected to work more independently and to write sustained, well-reasoned historical arguments.

Entry Level Certificate in History

Exam board: OCR (B) – Entry Level Certificate

For a small number of students, the department offers OCR Entry Level Certificate in History as an alternative KS4 pathway. This route is designed to provide a recognised and meaningful history qualification for learners who may not be able to access the full GCSE course, while still developing historical knowledge, enquiry skills, and confidence. Candidates produce three written assessments, which are 100% internally assessed and externally moderated. The exam board allows considerable flexibility in delivery and assessment to meet individual needs.

The Entry Level qualification requires students to complete a thematic study, a depth study, and a site or individual study. We have chosen Germany, the People’s Health and Bristol Docks because they align closely with our GCSE curriculum, and provide accessible, engaging content that can build historical knowledge and confidence.

This pathway allows the department to maintain high expectations and meaningful historical learning for all students, while ensuring that the curriculum remains accessible and supportive for learners with additional needs. 

How will I be assessed during the course?

• Regular exam questions in lessons to test your historical skills
• Short low stakes knowledge quizzes to test your knowledge
• Longer end of unit mock exams to consolidate everything we have done so far

What’s the best way to revise?:

• Seneca Learning quizzes - remember we do OCR B History 
• Recommended revision guide: My Revision Notes: OCR GCSE (9-1) History B: Schools History Project
• Mr Kennett’s YouTube revision videos - lots on Nazis, Normans, Bristol and exam skills