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History

Aims of the Department

To help students learn about the past so that they develop a better understanding of the present as well as an interest and enthusiasm for History as a whole. 

Key Stage 3 

In Year 7 we begin with units on "What is History?", local history and a Depth Study of Reformation England.  We also introduce an overview of chronology so that students have a framework or the events during the rest of Key Stage 3.  We will study the causes and consequences of the Norman Invasion of 1066 and introduce ideas of historical significance. 

In Year 8 we look at the history of the Black Peoples of the Americas, the British Empire, and Study in Depth over Time.  This may include subject areas such as Medicine over Time and The Industrial Revolution.

In Year 9 we study the Twentieth Century World including the World Wars and the Holocaust.  We will also assess the significance of an event or person.  In addition, we will introduce The American West as a GCSE taster topic.

The students will also complete an extended piece of written work.  This will give the opportunity to use the skills and knowledge that they have developed over the Key Stage in a single assignment using a wide range of history and skills.

Key Stage 4 

At Key Stage 4 the students may opt to continue with History.  We follow the Edexcel Course which includes:

Paper 1 - Thematic Study and Environment

Medicine in Britain 1250 to Present and a depth study of the British Sector of the Western Front 1914-18; injuries, treatment and the trenches.

Paper 2 - Period Study and British Depth Study

The reigns of King Richard I and King John, 1189-1216 and The American West, c1835-1895.

Paper 3 - Modern Depth Study

Weimar and Nazi Germany 1918-39.

Key Stage 5 

We follow the OCR A Syllabus.  The course will be assessed at the end of Yr 13 for an A2 qualification.  In Year 12 we study Alfred and the Making of England, and Russia 1894-1941.  In Year 13 we study Civil Rights in the USA 1865-1992 together with an essay assessed unit.