History

Rationale

Studying history is essential because it provides us with a valuable window into the past, enabling us to understand the events, decisions, and actions that have shaped our world today. History serves as a teacher, offering lessons from the successes and failures of the past, guiding us in making informed decisions for the future. It fosters critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broader perspective on cultural, social, and political issues. History also helps us appreciate the struggles and achievements of those who came before us, fostering empathy and a sense of shared humanity. By delving into the past, we gain insight into the roots of our present circumstances and can work towards creating a better future. In essence, history is not just a subject of study; it is a timeless wellspring of knowledge that connects us to our collective heritage and offers us the tools to navigate the complexities of our ever-changing world.

We have put together a rich and dynamic curriculum, that explores key moments of British, European and global history and helps students make sense of the world today and their place within it. Topics are explored around overarching questions, such as ‘How Great was Great Britain in the Age of Empire?’ or ‘How ‘golden’ was the golden age of Elizabeth?’ Our teachers accompany students on their learning journey, and bring their expertise to bear on curriculum design and in supporting students with more specialist projects such as EPQ or A-level coursework. The department prides itself on the varied and exciting extra-curricular programme it offers. This ranges from lunchtime study support, helping students to develop exam skills and knowledge, the ever-popular Horrible Histories Club and Debating Societies, to after-school and weekend activities and trips. Between the time they join us in Year 7 and when they leave in Year 13, students will have had enrichment opportunities as diverse as taking part in a Tudor living workshop, meeting WWI Tommies in the trenches of Ypres, taking part in a mock trial in a magistrates' court, had a head-to-head debate with a politician, visited Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms and stood inches away from the US Declaration of Independence, walked the corridors of Parliament, the Reichstag and Capitol Hill, come face to face with a survivor of the Holocaust and visited Auschwitz concentration camp.

Overview

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage Three, history is taught with a dynamic and engaging approach that aims to spark students' curiosity and critical thinking. Our curriculum is designed to cover a wide range of historical periods, from the Anglo-Saxon era to key events of the twentieth century, ensuring that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the past. We employ a variety of teaching methods, including interactive discussions, hands-on activities, primary source analysis, and multimedia resources, all of which create an immersive learning experience. Our dedicated history teachers encourage students to develop essential skills such as research, analysis, and historical interpretation, enabling them to form their own informed perspectives on historical events and figures. At this stage, we aim to instill a love for history and a deep appreciation for the lessons it can offer in shaping our world today. Topics are taught around overarching enquiry questions such as 'Was William the Conqueror a tyrant' or 'How vile were the Victorians?' to promote an original and investigative approach to the studying the past. We encourage students to reach their own independent judgements on the big questions of the past and arms them with all the skills they will need in order to achieve this.

Key Stage 4

GCSE History is taught with a focus on developing advanced historical skills and a deeper understanding of key historical themes. Our curriculum emphasises critical thinking, research, and analysis as students explore specific historical periods and topics in depth. We encourage independent research and interpretation of primary and secondary sources, enabling students to form nuanced perspectives on complex historical events. Beyond factual knowledge, our goal is to foster an appreciation for the complexities of the past and their relevance to the present. The GCSE history curriculum also includes a strong emphasis on exam preparation, equipping students with the skills needed to excel in their assessments. We aim to empower our students with the historical knowledge and critical thinking abilities necessary for success at this academic level and beyond. Over the course of three years they will study four major units of work: Medicine through Time, Elizabethan England, Germany and the Rise of the Nazis and the Cold War. In addition, they will undertake an Historic Environment Study which will look at a particular site or event from the Elizabethan era, and explore what it reveals about the culture and politics of the age. In the course of studying each module they will get regular opportunities to practice GCSE style questions and enhance their exam skills with timed assessments and mock papers. Each lesson offers a balance of activities to appeal to the different learning styles of students, starting with an engaging ‘starter’ activity followed by tasks designed to develop students’ knowledge base before applying this information to a particular activity, such as an extended writing task, a skills based practice question or a group task such as a debate, role play scenario or presentation. A great deal of emphasis is placed on students enjoying their learning and making the tasks as engaging as possible, whilst maintaining an appropriate level of challenge. There are also opportunities to explore topics in greater depth with extension research or online resources.

Post 16

At A-level, we help students to deepen and 'complicate' their understanding of the past by encouraging them to engage in advanced historical analysis and research. Our curriculum offers a breadth of historical topics, while allowing students the flexibility to choose areas of interest for in-depth study. We foster critical thinking, independent research, and the ability to critically evaluate primary and secondary sources, enabling students to develop their own historical arguments and interpretations. A-level history places a strong emphasis on essay writing and academic rigor, preparing students for the demands of higher education. Moreover, our experienced teachers encourage thoughtful discussions and debate, nurturing the intellectual curiosity and passion for history that will serve our students well in their academic and professional pursuits. In the course of their studies at A-level, students explore the world of Tudor Britain (1485-1603), the Russian Revolution and its aftermath (1917-1953) and the evolution of civil rights among the black community of America (1863-1968). This latter unit of work is the focus of the non-examined assessment (coursework), and having gained an overview of key events and players, students select a question to explore in greater depth. Among the topics on offer are the role of women in advancing civil rights, the relationship between the arts and civil rights, and the part played by presidents in advancing reforms. As with earlier key stages, lessons are carefully balanced to provide opportunities for research and investigation as well as discussion and writing skills. Students are encouraged to develop their skills of independent study, supported by excellent online resources such as Massolit and JSTOR, an internal lending library and a host of resources published on Google Classroom. There are regular opportunities for extra-curricular activities, such as visits to exhibitions and museums, along with an annual visit to the National Archives to handle documents relevant to their civil rights research.

Extra Curricular Activities

KS3 -KS4 - KS5 -National Archives - handling primary documents related to the civil rights movement in America; visit to Washington to visit Smithsonian Museum, Arlington Cemetery, Mount Vernon, Congress and the Lincoln Memorial; Lessons from Auschwitz Project - taking part in a series of seminars on the Holocaust and visiting Auschwitz concentration camp; planning and delivering assemblies linked to key events in the calendar - e.g. Black History Month & International Women's Day; Debating Society

Online Resources

Exam Boards

GCSE - AQA

A-Level - AQA

If you would like to know more about our curriculum, please do not hesitate to contact the school.