History Curriculum Support for Parents
This page is designed to help you support your child with History at home.
Each topic includes a short explanation, key words, questions you can ask, and links to useful videos and websites.
You do not need to be an expert. Even a short conversation at home can make a big difference.
Jump to: Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9
Year 7
World Views
What students are learning
Students explore how people in the past understood the world, including beliefs about religion, society and power.
Why this matters
It helps students understand different perspectives and ways of thinking.
Key words
belief, society, religion, culture, perspective
Questions to ask at home
- What did people in the past believe about the world?
- How are their beliefs different from ours today?
- Why do beliefs matter in history?
Helpful resources
The Norman Conquest and Control
What students are learning
Students study the events of 1066 and how the Norman Conquest changed England.
Why this matters
It was a turning point in English history that changed leadership and land ownership.
Key words
conquest, monarch, feudal system, castle, rebellion
Questions to ask at home
- Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?
- How did the Normans keep control?
- What changed for ordinary people?
Helpful resources
The Medieval Church
What students are learning
Students explore the role of the Church in medieval life.
Why this matters
The Church influenced beliefs, laws and everyday life.
Key words
Church, clergy, monastery, pilgrimage, tithe
Questions to ask at home
- Why was the Church so powerful?
- How did religion affect daily life?
- What role did monasteries play?
Helpful resources
Year 8
The Reformation
What students are learning
Students study how the Church changed during the Reformation.
Why this matters
It reshaped religion and power in England.
Key words
Reformation, Protestant, Catholic, church, monarch
Questions to ask at home
- Why did Henry VIII break from Rome?
- What changed for people?
- How did religion cause conflict?
Helpful resources
Year 9
World War One
What students are learning
Students study the causes and impact of World War One.
Why this matters
It reshaped global politics and borders.
Key words
alliance, trench, armistice, empire, conflict
Questions to ask at home
- What caused the war?
- What was life like in the trenches?
- How did it end?
Helpful resources