United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 7 History
Key Stage 3 History Year 7: a comprehensive study of Medieval Britain from the Norman Conquest in 1066 to the dawn of the Tudor era in 1485, exploring political power, social structures, and cultural shifts.
The Norman Conquest and Control
Analysing the claimants to the throne in 1066, the military transition of power, and the methods used by William I to consolidate Norman rule.
Evaluating the rival claims of Harold Godwinson, Harald Hardrada, and William of Normandy following the death of Edward the Confessor.
A detailed look at the military engagements of 1066, focusing on the shield wall, the feigned retreat, and the impact of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Investigating the brutal suppression of rebellions in Northern England and the ethical implications of William's scorched-earth policy.
Exploring the evolution from Motte and Bailey to Stone Keep castles as instruments of psychological and physical control.
Understanding the land-for-loyalty contract that defined Norman social structures and the role of the Domesday Book.
Tracing how French and Latin influenced the English language and how Norman architecture changed the English landscape.
Religion and the Medieval Mind
Examining the central role of the Catholic Church in everyday life, the power of the Clergy, and the significance of pilgrimage.
Analysing how visual art in churches was used to instruct an illiterate population on morality and the afterlife.
Investigating the power struggle between King Henry II and the Archbishop of Canterbury over the "Criminous Clerks".
Exploring the daily routine of monastic life, their role in education, and their importance to the medieval economy.
Examining why knights and peasants traveled to the Holy Land and the differing viewpoints of Christians and Muslims.
Using Chaucer's literature to understand the diversity of medieval society and the spiritual importance of holy sites.
Kingship, Law, and Magna Carta
Tracing the development of English law and the shifting balance of power between the Monarchy and the Barons.
How Henry II reformed the legal system, introduced juries, and established a law that applied to the whole country.
Evaluating the reign of King John, his military failures in France, and his heavy taxation of the Barons.
An in-depth look at the clauses of Magna Carta and its immediate failure as a peace treaty.
Tracing the influence of Magna Carta on the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and modern Human Rights.
Exploring the 1265 rebellion and the inclusion of "commoners" in the King's council for the first time.
Analysing the expansion of English power into Wales and Scotland and the resistance of William Wallace.
Crisis and Change: The 14th Century
Investigating the traumatic events of the 1300s, including famine, the Hundred Years' War, and the Black Death.
Understanding how climate change and crop failure brought Europe to the brink of collapse before the plague.
The dynastic struggle for the French throne and the military dominance of the English longbow.
Tracing the path of the Yersinia pestis bacteria from the Silk Road to the village of Eyam.
How the labour shortage caused by the Black Death led to higher wages and the end of serfdom.
The causes, events, and aftermath of the uprising led by Wat Tyler and John Ball against the Poll Tax.
The Wars of the Roses
Exploring the dynastic conflict between the Houses of Lancaster and York and the instability of the 15th-century monarchy.
Analysing how the mental illness and poor leadership of Henry VI allowed noble factions to grow powerful.
Mapping the family trees and the shifting alliances of the Nevilles, Percys, and the Royal family.
Investigating the mystery of Edward V and his brother Richard, and the rise of Richard III.
The final major battle of the wars and the unlikely victory of Henry Tudor.
How Henry VII united the warring houses through marriage and the creation of the Tudor Rose.
Medieval Women and Daily Life
A depth study into the often-overlooked lives of women, children, and minority groups in medieval Britain.
Examining figures like Eleanor of Aquitaine and Nicola de la Haye who exercised significant political influence.
Exploring the daily tasks of women on the manor and the "brewsters" and "silkwomen" in the towns.
Investigating what it was like to grow up in the Middle Ages, from toys to apprenticeships.
Tracing the arrival of Jews after 1066, their role in finance, and their tragic expulsion in 1290.
From the Tithing system to the Hue and Cry, how a society without a police force maintained law.
Exploring the "Four Humours", barber-surgeons, and the influence of Islamic medicine on the West.
Global Connections and Review
Placing Medieval Britain in a wider global context and reviewing the major themes of the year.
How goods, ideas, and diseases traveled from China and India to the markets of London.
Comparing the development of cities like Baghdad and Cordoba with the medieval towns of England.
Studying the wealth of West Africa and the impact of Mansa Musa's journey to Mecca on the global economy.
Gutenberg's revolution and how it signaled the end of the medieval era and the start of the Renaissance.
A synoptic review of how power, religion, and daily life changed (or stayed the same) over 400 years.
A student-led inquiry into a specific aspect of medieval life or a significant historical figure.