Curriculum
History
Why study History?
Understanding past events and people and their significance gives students a better insight into the world around them. We believe in the importance of not just learning history, but learning from history. The study of History equips pupils with the ability to critically analyse source material, assess the merits of different arguments, hone their debating skills, and recognise bias and propaganda.
How will I study History?
Pupils study History through big enquiry questions. Each enquiry covers a sequence of lessons. At the end of that sequence of lessons pupils are equipped to formulate their own answer to the enquiry. These are genuine historical debates amongst academic historians. Pupils learn historical concepts that are revisited regularly in different periods of time, locations and people allowing pupils to gain a deeper understanding. Alongside this pupils learn to be historians developing their disciplinary knowledge understanding methods of historical enquiry, how evidence is used to make historical claims and understand why there are different interpretations of the past.
What will I study at Key Stage 3?
In Year 7 pupils gain a thematic understanding of the development of Britain through the lens of religion, state and society during the medieval period and Reformation. Pupils will know how Britain evolved from a Catholic state to a Protestant one, and the existence of multiple forms of Protestantism. As part of this study, they explore historical enquiries that span the Roman to Tudor period. This includes historical enquiries that explore if the Normans brought trouble to Britain; the significance of the Magna Carta; a depth study of whether 1348 was the end of the world.
In Year 8 pupils gain a thematic understanding of the development of Britain through the lens of religion, state, industry, empire and society during the Early Modern Era and the Modern Era. As part of this, pupils will know how Britain developed from an absolute monarchy to a Republic and onto a constitutional monarchy. They explore the ‘Divine Right of Kings’ as the will of the people or the will of God; whether the abolition of slavery ended slavery; a depth study of whether there was an Indian mutiny or a War of Independence.
In Year 9 pupils gain a thematic understanding of the development of Britain through ideas, political power, trade, and empire in the Modern Era. Pupils know the significance of both the world wars in shaping our present day, therefore bringing the past into the present. More explicitly, pupils should take away knowledge of how ideas such as communism, fascism and suffrage led to tangible change throughout Europe.
During Key Stage 3 pupils also undertake a historical enquiry on the local area.
What will I study at Key Stage 4?
At Key Stage 4, pupils take a Modern depth study on Germany 1890-1945. Pupils study Weimar and Nazi Germany. This covers the Weimar Republic, Hitler’s rise to power, Nazi control and dictatorship, life in Nazi Germany.
As a thematic study, pupils study Health and the People. This explores ideas about:
- medicine stands still
- beginnings of change
- revolution in medicine
- modern medicine
As a British depth study, pupils explore early Elizabethan England. They focus on the Queen, government and religion, challenges to Elizabeth I at home and abroad, and Elizabethan society and the age of exploration. They will also explore a specific Elizabethan site in depth focusing on its historical context and examining the relationship between a specific place and associated historical events and developments.
In addition, pupils undertake a period study focusing on conflict and tension from 1898 to 1914. This covers the causes of the First World War, life in the trenches, and how the war was brought to an end at the Armistice.
How will I study History?
Pupils study History through big enquiry questions. Each enquiry covers a sequence of lessons. At the end of that sequence of lessons pupils are equipped to formulate their own answer to the enquiry. These are genuine historical debates amongst academic historians. Pupils learn historical concepts that are revisited regularly in different periods of time, locations and people allowing pupils to gain a deeper understanding. Alongside this pupils learn to be historians developing their disciplinary knowledge understanding methods of historical enquiry, how evidence is used to make historical claims and understand why there are different interpretations of the past.
Curriculum Overview
Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
---|---|---|
|
|
|
Year 10 | Year 11 |
---|---|
Section A: Thematic Study (Britain: Health and the People: c1000 to the present day)
Section B: Wider World Depth Study (Conflict & Tension: First World War, 1894-1918)
|
Section A: Period Studies (Germany 1890-1945: Democracy and Dictatorship)
Section B: British Depth Studies (Elizabethan England, 1568-1603)
|
Assessment
KS4 Exam Board Specification:
Exam Board: AQA GCSE History (8145)
Overview | Focus |
---|---|
Written exam (2 hours) 84 marks 50% of GCSE |
Section A: Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship Section B: Conflict and tension between East and West, 1945–1972 |
Overview | Focus |
---|---|
Written exam (2 hours) 84 marks 50% of GCSE |
Section A: Elizabethan England c1568-1603 Section B: Migration, empires and the people c790 to the present day |
Enrichment
The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year such as Normandy, London’s Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Pupils also explore their local area including time spent at the local Heritage Centre. Within school there is a local history club who explore historical events of interest to pupils. In lessons History is brought to life through re-enactments, the exploration of artefacts, original film footage and model making. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the school in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.
Careers
The study of History can lead to future careers ranging from Researcher, Museum Archivist and Journalist to Librarian, Business Consultant and Editor. Famous History graduates include Louis Theroux (documentary filmmaker, author), Jonathan Ross (TV presenter), Joe Biden (US President) and Gordon Brown (ex-British Prime Minister).