The final point to reiterate is that these concepts do not exist in isolation – they are only relevant as part of the study of the historical periods. That is to say, a causation piece on the Norman Conquest is similar to one on the Reformation, but also has key differences rooted in the content. It is therefore crucial to understand that the progression model cannot be divorced from the specific historical content. Nor should it be divided into linear steps to show “progress”. Causation: Model based on and Understanding ‘causation’ in history is crucial for students to make sense of the past. At a basic level, causation appears to be the bread and butter of history. The causation model outlined here attempts to get student to understand a number of key strands: Change happens because of MULTIPLE CAUSES and leads to many different results or consequences. These create a WEB of related causes and consequences. Different causes have different LEVELS OF INFLUENCE. Some causes are more important than other causes. Historical changes happen because of two main factors: The actions of HISTORICAL ACTORS and the CONDITIONS (social, economic etc.) which have influenced those actors. HISTORICAL ACTORS cannot always predict the effects of their own actions leading to UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES. These unintended consequences can also lead to changes. Lacking Emergent Developing Mastered Understanding Mastered Causation is Multiple short term and Y7/8 Y9/10+ attributed to a single long terms causes of cause, usually ST, or events are identified and Signpost 1 multiple causes are explained. Relationships Causal Webs given but not between causes are explained. recognized There is no The causes of historical Y7 Y8/9 Y10+ Signpost 2 differentiation change are analysed and Ranking between the influence different causes are ranked Causes of various causes. by their influence Historical causes are Historical change is Y8 Y9 Y10+ personalized to be the explained through the actions of great interplay of the actions of Signpost 3 leaders or are seen as historical actors and the Underlying abstractions with underlying conditions Causes human intentions. (SPERM) in which they operated Past events are seen A differentiation is made Y8 Y9/10+ Signpost 4 as the result of specific between the intended and Unintended plans and actions. unintended consequences Consequences of actions
The final point to reiterate is that these concepts do not exist in isolation – they are only relevant as part of the study of the historical periods. That is to say, a causation piece on the Norman Conquest is similar to one on the Reformation, but also has key differences rooted in the content. It is therefore crucial to understand that the progression model cannot be divorced from the specific historical content. Nor should it be divided into linear steps to show “progress”. Causation: Model based on and Understanding ‘causation’ in history is crucial for students to make sense of the past. At a basic level, causation appears to be the bread and butter of history. The causation model outlined here attempts to get student to understand a number of key strands: Change happens because of MULTIPLE CAUSES and leads to many different results or consequences. These create a WEB of related causes and consequences. Different causes have different LEVELS OF INFLUENCE. Some causes are more important than other causes. Historical changes happen because of two main factors: The actions of HISTORICAL ACTORS and the CONDITIONS (social, economic etc.) which have influenced those actors. HISTORICAL ACTORS cannot always predict the effects of their own actions leading to UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES. These unintended consequences can also lead to changes. Lacking Understanding Emergent Developing Mastered Mastered Signpost 1 Causal Webs Causation is attributed to a single cause, usually ST, or multiple causes are given but not explained. Y7/8 Y9/10+ Multiple short term and long terms causes of events are identified and explained. Relationships between causes are recognized Signpost 2 Ranking Causes There is no differentiation between the influence of various causes. Y7 Y8/9 Y10+ The causes of historical change are analysed and different causes are ranked by their influence Signpost 3 Underlying Causes Historical causes are personalized to be the actions of great leaders or are seen as abstractions with human intentions. Y8 Y9 Y10+ Historical change is explained through the interplay of the actions of historical actors and the underlying conditions (SPERM) in which they operated Signpost 4 Unintended Consequences Past events are seen as the result of specific plans and actions. Y8 Y9/10+ A differentiation is made between the intended and unintended consequences of actions
progression_model_for_history.docx