History

Learning about the past is the key to understanding the present. We study the people, places and events in British, European and World history.

The intention is that students will be aware of the major events that have shaped the world and become passionate about history. Students will also be equipped with vital skills of critical source analysis and written communication.

Programmes of Study

Year 7

Year 7 starts with an introduction to history to help students to develop an understanding of the fundamental historical skills and concepts. Students will then study different units that will give them a good understanding of the medieval world.

• Early migration to Britain
• How did a Norman become King of England?
• How much did England change during the Norman Conquest?
• How do we know about ordinary lives in the Middle Ages?
• Who held the most power in the Middle Ages?
• How did the Mongols create a world empire?
• Who was Mansa Musa?
• How far did the Black Death change the Medieval world?

Year 8

Year 8 builds upon the skills, concepts and knowledge of the Year 7 history course. They will learn about the important changes that took during the Early Modern and Industrial periods and how these changes affected England’s place in the world.

• Why did Henry VIII break away from the Church in Rome?
• Does Queen Elizabeth deserve the title ‘Good Queen Bess’?
• Why was the ‘world turned upside down’ in the 1640s?
• What was life like in Restoration England?
• The ‘New World’ and exploration.
• What was it like to live and work in the new industrial towns?
• Who are the heroes of Public Health?

Year 9

Year 9 consolidates the knowledge, skills and concepts developed in Years 7 and 8 and helps to prepare students for History GCSE. Students will study the modern world.

• How far did the assassination lead to the First World War?
• Living and Dying in the trenches.
• Making peace.
• The rise of the dictators.
• The turning points of World War II.
• The Holocaust.
• Modern Britain: Windrush, the Welfare State, Civil Rights.

Years 10 & 11

Students will study GCSE AQA History. The knowledge, skills and concepts that students have developed across Key Stage 3 will support their study of GCSE. The course is interesting and challenging and incudes topics such as Prohibition in 1920s America, the Civil Rights Movement, the causes of the Second World War, life in Elizabethan England and medicine over time.

Students will study the following units:

Paper 1:

Germany, 1890-1945: Democracy and dictatorship
Conflict and tension: The inter-war years, 1918–1939

Paper 2:

Britain: Health and the people: c1000 to the present day
Elizabethan England, c1568–1603

Marking and Assessment

Students will be assessed in three main areas: factual knowledge, historical skills and historical concepts. Formal assessment takes place throughout the year with regular focussed assessments. Students will be given clear actions that will enable them to improve their work and make further progress.
 

Examinations

AQA History GCSE  9-1:

Paper 1 – Understanding the Modern World (2 hours)

AD America, 1920–1973: Opportunity and inequality

BD Conflict and tension in Asia, 1950–1975

Paper 2  - Shaping the Nation (2 hours)

AA Britain: Health and the people: c1000 to the present day

BC Elizabethan England, c1568–1603

Revision Guides/Supporting Resources

Oxford AQA GCSE History (9-1): America 1920-1973: Opportunity and Inequality Revision Guide

Oxford AQA GCSE History (9-1): Conflict and Tension in Asia 1950-1975 Revision Guide

Oxford AQA GCSE History: Britain: Health and the People c1000-Present Day Revision Guide (9-1)

Oxford AQA GCSE History: Elizabethan England c1568-1603 Revision Guide (9-1)

Staff Details

History is a subject within the Humanities Faculty

Miss Main – Head of Department

Mrs Lo – Teacher of History

Mr. Davison – Teacher of History

Careers and Progression

History is a highly respected academic subject that also contributes to the EBacc portfolio of assessment. Colleges, universities and employers appreciate the variety of transferable skills that are provided through the study of history such as researching, analysing, investigating, and expressing views and opinions. The study of history has obvious links to jobs in teaching and work linked to heritage and museums but is also valued in many areas particularly professions like law, politics, journalism and the media.

Progress Ladders - History