Secondary Curriculum

History

Why study History?

Understanding past events and people and their significance gives students a better insight into the world around them. We believe in the importance of not just learning history but learning from history. The study of History equips pupils with the ability to critically analyse source material, assess the merits of different arguments, hone their debating skills, and recognise bias and propaganda.

How will I study History?

Pupils study History through big enquiry questions. Each enquiry covers a sequence of lessons. At the end of that sequence of lessons pupils are equipped to formulate their own answer to the enquiry. These are genuine historical debates amongst academic historians. Pupils learn historical concepts that are revisited regularly in different periods of time, locations and people allowing pupils to gain a deeper understanding. Alongside this, pupils learn to be historians developing their disciplinary knowledge understanding methods of historical enquiry, how evidence is used to make historical claims and understand why there are different interpretations of the past.

What will I study at key stage 3?

In Year 7, pupils explore historical enquiries that span the Roman to Tudor period. This includes:

  • Historical enquiries that explore how the Romans established rule in England after failing twice.
  • If the Normans brought trouble to Britain.
  • The significance of the Magna Carta.
  • If 1348 really was the end of the world.
  • Was there a Mid Tudor Crisis or was it a period of trauma and survival?

In Year 8, pupils move through the study of Mughal India and end at Britain’s industrial revolution. Pupils explore enquiries that cover:

  • Who was the greatest Mughal of them all?
  • How modern was Britain by 1789?
  • Were the ‘Divine Right of Kings’ – the will of the people or the will of God?
  • How did the British lead the French into revolution?
  • Did the abolition of slavery end slavery?
  • Why is the British Empire on trial?
  • Was there an Indian mutiny or a war of independence?
  • Which better describes the Industrial Revolution: Dark satanic mills’ or ‘progress and improvement?’

In Year 9, pupils move into the twentieth century to present day. Historical enquiries explore:

  • Was the First World War worth winning?
  • How far did new ideas cause conflict?
  • Why were the Nazis able to implement the Final Solution?

What will I study at key stage 4?

At Key Stage 4, pupils take a Modern depth study on Germany 1890-1945. Pupils study Weimar and Nazi Germany. This covers the Weimar Republic, Hitler’s rise to power, Nazi control and dictatorship, life in Nazi Germany.

As a thematic study, pupils study Health and the People: c1000 to the present day. This explores ideas about:

  • Medieval beliefs including the work of Hippocrates and Galen
  • The impact of the Renaissance on Britain
  • Improvements in Public Health
  • The impact of war on surgery and technological advances

As a British depth study, pupils explore early Elizabethan England. They focus on the Queen, government and religion, challenges to Elizabeth I at home and abroad, and Elizabethan society and the age of exploration. They will also explore a specific Elizabethan site in depth focusing on its historical context and examining the relationship between a specific place and associated historical events and developments.

In addition, pupils undertake a period study focusing on the First World War. This covers the complex and diverse interests of the Great Powers and other states. It focuses on the causes, nature and conclusion of the First World War and seeks to show how and why the conflict occurred, and why it proved difficult to bring the war to a conclusion.

Assessment at Key Stage 4

History AQA 8145

Overview Focus
Written exam (2 hours)
84 marks
50% of GCSE
Section A: Germany, 1890–1945: Democracy and dictatorship
Section B: Conflict and tension between East and West, 1945–1972
Overview Focus
Written exam (2 hours)
84 marks
50% of GCSE
Section A: Elizabethan England c1568-1603
Section B: Migration, empires and the people c790 to the present day

Enrichment

In lessons, History is brought to life through storytelling, the exploration of sources, film footage and exciting discussion. Pupils are given an opportunity to attend diversity workshops with the Anne Frank Trust to spread an awareness of inclusivity. Furthermore, students can enrol as ambassadors for the Anne Frank Trust through the school’s link to the charity. GCSE History students are also given the opportunity to visit the Historical Environment from their GCSE exam to help bring the History to life, thus giving them a better understanding of the course. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are also offered to support students in their studies.

Careers

The study of History can lead to future careers ranging from Researcher, Museum Archivist and Journalist to Librarian, Business Consultant and Editor. Famous History graduates include Louis Theroux (documentary filmmaker, author), Jonathan Ross (TV presenter), Joe Biden (US President) and Gordon Brown (ex-British Prime Minister).