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
  • Rotten Romans
  • Stormin Normans
  • Measly Middle Ages
  • Pesky Plague
  • Duelling Dynasties
  • Terrible Tudors
  • Crazy Civil War
  • Rowdy Revolutions 
  • Savage Slavery
  • Barmy Empire
  • Vile Victorians
  • Frightful World War 
  • Woeful World War 2
  • Horrific Holocaust
  • Difficult Democracy
  • Ending Empire
  • Troublesome Twentieth Century

 

 

Year 10 Year 11

Section A: Thematic Study (Britain: Health and the People: c1000 to the present day)

  • Medicine stands still
  • The beginnings of change
  • A revolution in medicine
    Modern medicine                                             

Section B: Wider World Depth Study (Conflict & Tension: First World War, 1894-1918)

  • The causes of the First World War
  • The First World War: Stalemate
  • Ending the war

Section A: Period Studies (Germany 1890-1945: Democracy and Dictatorship)

  • Germany and the growth of democracy
  • Germany and the depression
  • The experiences of Germans under the Nazis

Section B: British Depth Studies (Elizabethan England, 1568-1603)

  • Elizabeth court and parliament
  • Life in Elizabethan times
  • Troubles a home and abroad
  • Troubles at home and abroad
  • The historic environment of Elizabethan England

 

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).