The History Department delivers a broad and exciting curriculum that stimulates pupils' enthusiasm. We believe History is a subject that can enrich, entertain and inform. As a subject it is valuable tool for citizenship, allowing students to explore and discuss contemporary issues within the context of the past.
Photo left: Mr. Roger Bardsley, Head of History
It also informs our identity explaining who we are and how we have come to be. Skills that History develops such as critical thinking, source analysis and literacy are invaluable. As such the department commits itself to provide a broad and challenging curriculum that will:
- Communicate an enthusiasm for, and an enjoyment of, History as an academic subject.
- Provide students with an awareness of their local national and international identity by examining the evolution of institutions, peoples and events over time.
- Develop the skills of source analysis using a variety of media.
- Develop student skills in oral and written communication.
- Provide students with an opportunity to explore the feelings, thoughts and ideas of people from various historical situations.
- Develop through the study of the past a better understanding of the present
- Develop students as confident, independent learners who have the skills and desire to further their own learning.
- Allow students to develop their own reasoned opinions through the exploration of events and controversies in the past.
Curriculum Information
History is taught to all students from Form One to Three. It is a very popular option choice for GCSE and AS/A2 level.
An active approach is taken to teaching topics and students are encouraged to take part in debates and historical simulations that bring their studies to life. Students also get the chance to interpret, analyze and evaluate primary source material throughout the their History studies.
Form One to Three
The first to third form curriculum aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the shape of British history so that students can appreciate both the development of British history, its institutions and Britain’s place within the world.
Our Form One students start with a general introduction to the study of history and its key skills (e.g. chronology, source work, empathy and causation); they then learn to utilise these skills through studying the key events, personalities and changes of Medieval England.
Our Form Two students study the key events, personalities and changes of Tudor and Stuart England, including the English Civil War in their first two terms. They study the industrial revolution and its consequences in the third term.
Our Form Three curriculum is divided into modular units, enabling our pupils to study a range of topics from 19th and 20th Century History over the course of the year. The units include: The British Empire, The Causes of World War One, its nature and impact, The Rise of New Political Ideas: Communism and Fascism, The Holocaust, and The Era of the Second World War.
GCSE
At GCSE we follow OCR’s Modern World Option B specification.
This involves a core study of International Relations between 1919 and 1939, a depth study of Germany between 1918 and 1945 and a look at British domestic history between 1906-1918. The full specification can be found at www.ocr.co.uk.
The details of the 6th form curriculum can be found on the 6th form curriculum tab.
Option Subject – Examination Board used OCR Tiers available: One Tier only
What is GCSE History all about?
History GCSE follows on naturally from the kind of work you have already undertaken. Your course will involve studying some of the key developments of the twentieth century, especially between the First and Second World Wars. You will study aspects of British, European and World History. You will also have the opportunity to examine some interesting and important historical source material and develop your own knowledge of historical issues.
Will I enjoy this course?
Of course you will! History involves learning about and discussing the events that have shaped today’s world. You will study the consequences of the First World War, the Treaty of Versailles and the causes of the Second World War, the rise of the Nazis in Germany and many other fascinating issues. If you like analysing cause and consequence, interpreting sources and discussing your own ideas then you will enjoy History. History has proved to be a very popular option for GCSE and A level in recent years, and public examination results have been excellent. (Above: History trip to Berlin)
What about examinations?
At the end of the course you will take two papers. Paper One will ask you to answer questions on World Affairs and Germany from the material you have studied on the course. Paper Two will present you with a variety of sources from a topic taken from British History such as photographs, cartoons, newspaper extracts etc. You will need to use your own knowledge to interpret the sources and you will also be asked about the reliability of the evidence presented to you. (Right: History trip to Prague)
What about coursework?
You will have to complete an independent piece of research on an historical topic taught by your teacher. This may concentrate on the role of an individual or on a particular theme within the period studied. The Examination Board has yet to confirm the topics for 2010. A typical question looking at the role of an individual could be ‘How important was Nelson Mandela in the ending of apartheid’. A typical thematic question could be ‘Why has medical knowledge progressed so rapidly in the twentieth century?’. Help and advice will be given before you begin your assignment and the task will give you the opportunity to use a variety of sources and to develop your opinions about historical issues.
What other skills might I develop?
As well as learning about History, the course will enable you to improve your skills in communication, ICT, improving your own learning and performance, problem solving and working with others. Studying History encourages you to produce well-reasoned arguments based on the evaluation of evidence.
What could I do next with GCSE History?
A History GCSE shows that you have a high level of literacy and are able to analyse complex information - skills highly valued by Universities and employers. Traditionally History in the Sixth Form is combined with other arts subjects, but increasingly those taking sciences at A level are recognising the way in which History can provide much needed breadth. Employment opportunities where skills gained through the study of History are particularly valued include journalism, media, law and management. (Right: History trip to Oxford)