History

The Department’s main aim is to stimulate an awareness of the past and an enthusiasm for its study. Students are encouraged to develop a sound knowledge and understanding of historical events, individual and developments, whilst at the same time developing a range of key skills, including the ability to carefully evaluate evidence and to construct clear and logical arguments. We firmly believe that the skills involved in the study of history are important life skills.

Students are taught in mixed ability classes in Years 7 and 8. They are set according to ability from Year 9 onwards, where appropriate. History lessons involve a wide variety of activities, including group discussions and debates, independent research, extended writing, the use of ICT and role-play.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, we focus on the study of British history since 1066, making links to European and world history where appropriate. To help students make connections between the different periods studied, we examine the same six key themes each year: conflict, power, the movement of peoples, empire, ordinary life and ideas and beliefs.

Key Stage 4

At GCSE, we are introducing the new AQA Modern World History syllabus. This includes examination units on The Roaring 20s: USA 1918-1929, Hitler’s Germany 1929-1939 and Race Relations in the USA 1955-1968. Our coursework, Britain at War, examines the development of modern warfare, comparing British involvement in WWI and WWII.

Key Stage 5

At A-Level, we offer an exciting (Edexcel) syllabus that focuses on societies in transition. Covering the past four centuries, it gives students the opportunity to study a variety of periods and countries within a framework that also allows meaningful comparisons. In Year 12, students will study Russia in Revolution/Stalin’s Russia 1881-1953 (Unit 1) and Britain and the nationalist challenge in India, 1900-1947 (Unit 2). In Year 13, they will study Revolution, Republic and Restoration: England, 1629-1667 (Unit 3) and undertake coursework on Representation and Democracy in Britain, c1830-1931 or Autocracy, Expansion and Enlightenment? Russia, 1682-1796.

We also offer A-Level Government and Politics (Edexcel), studying the British political system in Year 12 and the USA in Year 13. This course introduces students to key political concepts, processes and institutions and encourages them to develop an in-depth knowledge of contemporary politics in the UK and USA.