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History

Our program is designed to foster a deep understanding of the past and appreciation for the complexities of human beliefs and values.

Through the study of history, students will unravel the narratives of civilizations, examine key events, and analyse their impact on the present. 

Our curriculum encourages critical thinking, empathy, and an appreciation for cultural diversity. By engaging with these subjects, students will develop a well-rounded perspective, cultivate analytical skills, and become active global citizens who can navigate the complexities of our interconnected world. Join us on this exciting intellectual journey, where the humanities unlock a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.

What makes a good student of Individuals and Societies?

  • Demonstrates a genuine curiosity and interest in exploring the complexities of History.
  • Possesses strong critical thinking and analytical skills, able to examine and evaluate different perspectives.
  • Shows excellent research skills, utilizing diverse sources and conducting independent inquiries.
  • Exhibits effective communication skills, both oral and written to express ideas and arguments coherently.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of cause-and-effect relationships, patterns, and connections in historical and geographical contexts.
  • Shows empathy and respect for diverse cultures, beliefs, and values, fostering an appreciation for global citizenship.
  • Exhibits strong organizational skills, effectively managing research projects, assignments, and deadlines.
  • Demonstrates the ability to interpret and analyse maps, charts, and other geographical data.
  • Displays an awareness of ethical considerations, demonstrating empathy, and engaging in discussions about moral dilemmas.
  • Shows an active engagement in classroom discussions, asking insightful questions and participating constructively.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Curriculum Journey

Year 7 students will learn about the following:

From the Romans to the Normans
Who was more important to Medieval people: King or God?
Who was more powerful: The People or the King?
How should we remember the Tudor Dynasty?
Did the English Civil War really turn the World ‘Upside Down’?
How had the power of the Monarchy changed by the end of the 19th Century?

Year 8 students will learn about the following:

How did Britain become the workshop of the world?
Why did the sun never set on the British Empire?
The Slave Trade
How accurate is Hamilton in portraying the American Revolution?
How did Enlightenment cause the Guillotine?
How did democracy develop in Britain?

Year 9 students will learn about the following:

How was the First World War fought?
How turbulent was the interwar period?
How did the Allies win the Second World War?
The Holocaust
How ‘Hot’ was the Cold War?
How have people fought for equal rights?

Teaching Hours: 3 hours per fortnight

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Exam Board – GCSE History Year 11 Edexcel/Year 10 OCR

What is the course?

The History GCSE course is for students who have an inquisitive mind and enjoy investigating events to find out what happened and why. The course will appeal to students who like to create an argument and form their own opinions based on the evidence available and to debate problems which have baffled historians for years.

What will I be taught?

You will be taught a variety of skills related to the subject. There are three main objectives of the History GCSE which you will be taught over the two years. These are the ability to:

  • Recall, select, organise and deploy knowledge
  • Use historical sources critically through analysis, evaluation and interpretation
  • To understand, analyse and evaluate how and why historical events, people, situations and changes have been represented in different ways.

Which units will I study?

The History GCSE consists of four units; of which all are formally examined. The units are studied over two years:

  • Crime and punishment in Britain 1150-Modern Period
  • Life in Nazi Germany 1933-1945
  • Elizabethan England 1580-1603
  • Viking Expansion c.750-c.1050
  • History Around Us - Fieldwork Visit

What skills will I learn?

You will learn to use a variety of transferable skills throughout the course which will enable you to:

  • Use information effectively
  • Consider evidence carefully before reaching a decision
  • Be analytical and critical when information is presented to you
  • Understand how and why individuals behaved as they did
  • Clearly express a personal point of view in oral debates and presentations

What would be expected of me?

It will be expected that you have a high level of commitment to the course and accept that individual study will need to take place. High standards will be expected at all times and all deadlines must be met.

Is there coursework involved in this subject?

No

How will I be assessed?

There are 3 examinations that assess all 4 units. All examinations are essay based.

What courses or employment can I progress to at the end of the course?

Employers greatly value the skills taught in GCSE History. Employers want people who are independent thinkers, open minded, disciplined, good at problem solving and able to pick out the essential from the trivial – all of which are taught in GCSE History. History can be studied at A level and lead to studies at university.

Teaching Hours: 5 hours per fortnight

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular

To extend learning beyond the classroom, you should consider doing some of the following tasks:

  • Visit local museums, historical sites or heritage centres to gain an insight into different eras.
  • Investigate your family history and genealogy will help you understand your personal connections with history and support your research skills.
  • Get involved in archaeology and local digs will introduce you to the practical side of uncovering and interpreting historical artifacts.
  • Watching, reading or playing historically themed board games, strategy games or video games can make learning about history interactive and engaging.
  • Conduct interviews with older relatives about their experiences and memories of past events helps preserve personal and local history.

You can also extend your learning through reading. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Book title

Book author

The Silk Roads

Peter Frankopan

Black Tudors

Miranda Kaufmann

The Anglo Saxons

Marc Morris

A Village in the Third Reich

Julia Boyd

The Mapmakers Daughter

Clare Marchant

1066 and William the Conqueror

David Bates

Adventures in Time: Fury of the Vikings

Dominic Sandbrook

The Book Thief

Markus Zusak

Goodnight Mister Tom

Michelle Magorian

Private Peaceful

Michael Morpugo

Careers

We have a wealth of information on our careers page - Please click here