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.
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 Silk Road, the Romans, Norman England, the challenges of being a medieval monarch and the 16th century rollercoaster. 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 throughout the year.
In Year 8 students explore the African Kingdom of Benin, The Native Americans, The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and The Industrial Revolution. As in year 7, 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 throughout the year.
In Year 9, students learn about The British Empire, 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 three hours a week and follow the AQA History specification.
In Year 10 students learn about the conflict and tension of the post war period 1918-1939. This includes an in depth look at the Treaty of Versailles, the fortunes of the league of Nations, and the road to World War Two. Students also complete a case study on Germany exploring its development from an imperial power, through an emerging democracy to the Third Reich.
In Year 11 students focus on British history. Students explore the occasions when ordinary people have challenged authority in the search for greater rights and freedoms including the signing of Magna Carta and the Nottingham riots. Students complete a final depth study of Elizabethan England which includes a case study of an historic environment; previous examples have included The Globe, Hardwick Hall and the Spanish Armada.
Useful Links:
Google Classroom – History GCSE (ask your teacher for the code)
AQA GCSE History
BBC Bitesize: AQA GCSE History
History Revision Videos
History Articles
