AQA GCSE History: Closing the Ability Gap

ABOUT THIS COURSE

This brand-new course is designed for both new and experienced History teachers who want to close the ability gap in AQA GCSE History and ensure that the qualification is accessible for all students. Drawing on current educational research and practical classroom strategies, the course explores approaches that support student achievement whilst reducing unnecessary barriers to success. You will develop a deeper understanding of inclusive curriculum design, effective teaching practices and assessment strategies that enable all learners to thrive. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident and equipped to meet the needs of the full range of students in your classroom and improve outcomes across the GCSE History course.  

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BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

• Understand the key barriers that can prevent students from succeeding in AQA GCSE History and how to address them effectively.
• Gain practical, evidence-informed strategies to make GCSE History more accessible for learners of all attainment levels.
• Develop approaches to curriculum planning, teaching and assessment that help close gaps in achievement.
• Explore current research on inclusion, cognition and learning that can improve outcomes in History classrooms.
• Build confidence in adapting your practice to meet the needs of the full range of students studying GCSE History.

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Classroom teachers who want practical strategies to make AQA GCSE History accessible, engaging and achievable for the full range of learners
• Heads of History and Subject Leaders looking to improve attainment, close gaps in achievement and support colleagues across their department
• Senior leaders with responsibility for History who want a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by teachers and effective, evidence-informed solutions to address them

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PROGRAMME

10.00am: What makes GCSE History so Demanding?  

• Explore the key barriers that can make GCSE History challenging, including literacy, vocabulary, knowledge retention and examination demands
• Consider how these challenges vary across different school contexts and cohorts
• Identify the most significant barriers affecting students in your own classroom, department or school

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10.45am: Using Takeaways in the History classroom

• Explore Jonathan Grande's concept of curricular "takeaways" and its implications for curriculum planning
• Consider how identifying clear takeaways can help make learning more accessible and meaningful for all students
• Apply the takeaway model to your own curriculum and teaching practice

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11.30pm: Break

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11.50pm: The Power of Narrative in the History Classroom – Part 1

• Explore the role of narrative and storytelling in helping students make sense of complex historical content.
• Examine key principles for using narratives effectively to improve understanding, retention and accessibility.

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1.00pm: Lunch

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2.00pm: The Power of Narrative in the History Classroom – Part 2

• Work with practical examples and strategies that can be adapted for immediate use in your own GCSE History classroom.

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2.50pm: Break

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3.00pm: Not One Size Fits All, Adapting with Confidence  

• Reflect on the approaches explored throughout the day and identify those most relevant to your context.
• Consider how strategies can be adapted to meet the needs of different students, classes and departments.
• Create a practical action plan to support implementation beyond the course.

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3.30pm: Depart