Curriculum Corner – Geography 

The Geography department at Co-op Academy North Manchester is thrilled with the brilliant start our pupils have made this year! From exploring our local community to understanding global superpowers, our pupils are developing crucial knowledge and geographical skills.

Key Stage 3 – Exploring Our World 

Years 7 to 9 are focused on building a robust understanding of the geographical world and developing the skills needed for success in Key Stage 4 and beyond.

• Year 7 have been actively investigating their local area, focusing heavily on map skills, essential for navigating and understanding places. This has led to an exploration of the geography of the UK and a thought-provoking project on submerged worlds: should we care? This topic introduced them to the complexities of ocean environments and climate change.

• Year 8 went straight into the powerful forces, shaping our planet with tectonics. A significant focus has been placed on the Japan 2011 tsunami, allowing pupils to understand the real-world impact of tectonic hazards. They have also begun to investigate development, exploring the disparities between places globally.

• Year 9 have been tackling major global issues. They are exploring the concept of global superpowers, analysing how influence and power shift across the globe. Alongside this, they are studying ecosystems, learning about the vital biomes on earth and the interconnectedness of life.

Key Stage 4 – Deepening Understanding and Exam Preparation 

Key Stage 4 is all about applying foundational knowledge, mastering geographical concepts, and preparing effectively for GCSE.

• Year 10 have made an excellent start to their GCSE course. They began with hazards, examining the causes and impacts of different natural events, before moving on to the dynamic topic of coasts. This work requires a strong grasp of physical processes and human management strategies.

• Year 11 are in the final stretch of their GCSE journey. They have successfully completed the changing economic world unit, which covers key topics like industry, globalisation, and managing economic change. They've tackled their first set of Year 11 Mocks with commendable effort and are currently nearing completion of the living world unit (biomes and ecosystems), bringing their content coverage almost to an end with only one topic to go! The Geography team is now focused on supporting pupils in closing any identified knowledge gaps and refining their exam technique to ensure they achieve the best possible grades this summer!

Curriculum Corner – History 

The History Department is delighted with the outstanding start our pupils have made this year. From investigating medieval power to analysing the causes and consequences of global conflict, our pupils are developing rich historical knowledge and strong analytical skills.

Key Stage 3 – Building Historical Understanding

Across Years 7–9, pupils are developing the core skills of historical enquiry: questioning, source analysis, explanation, and evaluating interpretations, all while exploring a broad and diverse past.

Year 7 began the year stepping into the world of Roman Britain, exploring the Roman conquest and the profound changes they brought to religion, culture, and society. Pupils have been learning how power was established, challenged, and controlled in the centuries following the arrival of the Romans. They have also developed confidence with fundamental skills such as chronology, cause and consequence, and analysing historical evidence.

Year 8 launched straight into the Early Modern period, examining the dramatic religious, political, and social changes that reshaped Britain and Europe. From the Reformation and the Tudors, to the age of exploration and the growth of empire, pupils have been investigating how new ideas, new powers, and expanding global connections transformed the world. 

Year 9 have been tackling some of the most significant events of the modern era. They have explored the origins of the First World War, deepening their understanding of global alliances and the rise of tension across Europe. Alongside this, Year 9 pupils are studying the Holocaust through the lens of change, examining how the lives, rights, and experiences of Jewish people altered over time under Nazi rule. This unit helps pupils understand how discrimination escalated into persecution and genocide, while developing their ability to track continuity and change using historical evidence.

Key Stage 4 – Deepening Knowledge and Preparing for Exams

At GCSE, pupils apply their KS3 foundations to master complex historical concepts, refine their writing, and build the skills essential for success in AQA History.

Year 10 have made a strong start to their GCSE course. They began with their thematic study, Britain: Health and the People, before moving on to Norman England: Part 1 – the story of 1066. Pupils have examined the succession crisis following the death of Edward the Confessor, the rival claimants to the throne, and the key events of 1066, including Stamford Bridge and the Battle of Hastings. This unit develops pupils' understanding of causation, interpretation, and historical significance, all essential for GCSE success.

Year 11 are entering the final phase of their GCSE journey. They have completed Germany 1890–1945 and the Conflict and Tension depth study, gaining insight into diplomacy, dictatorship, war, and the fragile nature of international peace. After showing determination in their first set of mocks, pupils are now finalising their work on Norman England and focusing on targeted revision. The History team is supporting pupils in closing knowledge gaps, strengthening structure and analysis, and honing source and interpretation skills to ensure that they achieve their best possible grades this summer.