Curriculum

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 start with Classics and (Ancient) History, exploring life in Pompeii using chapters from our new Caroline Lawrence novel Amaranthus and his Neighborhood and archaeological research from Pompeii. This followed by a series of enquiry questions, which include:

  • Did the Normans bring a truckload of trouble?
  • What makes a good medieval king?
  • What can one saint’s story reveal about medieval monarchs?
  • How did the Magna Carta limit the power of the Kings?
  • How did the silk roads shape history?
  • Why did people join the crusades?
  • Was 1348 really was the end of the world?
  • Was there a Mid Tudor Crisis or was it a period of trauma and survival?

In Year 8, pupils move through the study of Mughal India and end at Britain’s industrial revolution. Pupils explore enquiries that cover:

  • Was Shah Jahan the greatest   Mughal emperor?
  • What can Empress Nur Jahan reveal about Mughal India ?
  • Why did so many people believe in Witchcraft?
  • Were the ‘Divine Right of Kings’ – the will of the people or the will of God?
  • Did enlightenment cause revolutions in Haiti, America, and France?
  • Did the abolition of slavery end slavery?
  • Why is the British Empire on trial?  Was there an Indian mutiny or a war of independence?
  • Was the Industrial Revolution Liberty’s Dawn?

In Year 9, pupils move into the twentieth century to present day. Historical enquiries explore:

  • Was the First World War worth winning?
  • How far did new ideas cause conflict?
  • How far was Britain democratic by 1930?
  • What was the impact on Britain with the decolonisation of the Empire?
  • What led to the conflict in the Middle East?
What will I study at Key Stage 4?

At Key Stage 4, pupils study the Edexcel GCSE Syllabus. They take a thematic study, pupils study Medicine Through Time 1200 – present. They also study the historic environment which involves The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment, and the trenches. In this unit they will study the cause, prevention, and treatment of medicine from the medieval period to the modern era. 

For their period study students study the American West c1835–c1895. Students will focus on the lives of native Americans, their culture, and beliefs and how settlement of the west led to conflict amongst various groups.  

As a British depth study, pupils explore early Elizabethan England 1558–88. They focus on the Queen, government and religion, challenges to Elizabeth I at home and abroad, and Elizabethan society and the age of exploration.  

In addition, pupils undertake a modern depth study USA- Conflict Home & Abroad through their study of this source they examine the role of the Civil Rights Movement in the USA and America’s involvement in Vietnam.

Assessment at key stage 4 

History Edexcel

Overview Focus
Written exam (1 hour 15 mins) 
52 marks 
30% of GCSE 
Section A The British sector of the Western Front, 1914–18: injuries, treatment and the trenches 
Section B Medicine Through Time 120 – present 

 

Overview Focus
Written exam (1 hour 45 mins) 
64 marks 
40% of GCSE 
  • Section A American West c1835–c1895 
  • Section B Early Elizabethan England 1558–88 

 

Overview Focus
Written exam (2 hours) 
52 marks 
30% of GCSE 
USA, Conflict Home and Abroad 1954-75 
Enrichment 

History is brought to life through re-enactments, the exploration of artefacts, original film footage and model making. Pupils can take part in school-wide competitions to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. The department also puts on live History exhibitions brining to life stories of the past through the display of food, culture, architectures, clothing, and art. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.

Careers

History is a highly respected GCSE and is excellent preparation for A levels in the humanities and the social sciences. If students plan to follow a more scientific route, history is ideal evidence for universities and future employers of their literacy, analytical skills and spirit of enquiry. 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).