Welcome to History

'Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past' (George Orwell)

We believe that history is the key to understanding our individual and collective past, an understanding of which is essential for those who will shape the future. History challenges students to enquire and make judgments, whilst deploying a range of evidence to support and justify these opinions. By studying history, students come to understand the cause and consequences of historical events and their impact on the future. Led by a dedicated and passionate team of staff, the History Department have high expectations of our students. They are expected to give their best both within and beyond the classroom. The History Department enjoys great success at both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, and consequently has a tradition of students continuing the subject at degree level.

Key Stage 3:

In Year 7 students investigate a range of topics including The Romans, Norman England, The Impact of Religious Change and The English Civil War. It is expected that during these units, students apply and practice their ability to consider cause and consequence, significance, utility, continuity and change. These analytical skills are assessed formally at the end of each unit and an end of year exam.

In Year 8 students explore The Native Americans, The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and The Industrial Revolution. As in the previous year, there is an expectation that students apply and practice their analytical skills, in addition to understanding the content of these units. Links are made between these units to help students understand that History is a complex story involving different peoples and cultures interacting with each other in positive as well as negative ways. Skills continue to be assessed formally at the end of each unit and an end of year exam.

In Year 9, students learn about The First World war, The Rise of the Nazis and the Holocaust, The Second World War and the Cold War. Again skills are developed with a particular focus on preparing pupils for GCSE should they choose to opt for it.

Key Stage 4:

At GCSE students receive five hours a fortnight and follow the AQA History specification.

In Year 10 students complete the Power and People British Study. This explores the occasions in the past when people have challenged the authority from the signing of the Magna Carta to the Nottingham Riots.They continue by investigating the consequences of the Treaty of Versailles, the Fortunes of the League of Nations and the Rise of Hitler.

In Year 11 students continue by looking at the impact of the Nazis on life in Germany and the steps taken which led to the Second World War. They then complete the AQA specification with an in-depth study of Elizabethan England. This includes a case study on a connected historic environment e.g. Hardwick Hall, The Globe and The Spanish Armada.